Stuffed Double Crust Pizza

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Stuffed Double Crust Pizza.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious pizza journey, grab a large bowl or a stand mixer and mix together some white sugar and warm water.

2. Step 2

   Sprinkle the active dry yeast over this mixture and let it sit for about five minutes.

3. Step 3

   You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes creamy and foamy—this is the magic of yeast at work! Next, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil to add a touch of richness.

4. Step 4

   In a separate bowl, combine half a teaspoon of salt with your flour.

5. Step 5

   Gradually add half of this flour mixture to the yeast blend, stirring until there are no dry spots left.

6. Step 6

   Keep adding the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

7. Step 7

   Once your dough starts to come together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about eight minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

8. Step 8

   If you prefer, you can use a dough hook in your stand mixer for this step.

9. Step 9

   Now, let’s give that dough a cozy place to rise! Lightly oil a large bowl, place your dough inside, and turn it to coat it with oil.

10. Step 10

    Cover it with a cloth and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—this should take about an hour.

11. Step 11

    While the dough is rising, let’s prepare a flavorful sauce.

12. Step 12

    In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, garlic powder, a teaspoon of olive oil, and half a teaspoon of salt.

13. Step 13

    Cover the saucepan and let it simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the flavors to meld beautifully.

14. Step 14

    Once your dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).

15. Step 15

    Gently deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.

16. Step 16

    Divide it into two equal pieces.

17. Step 17

    Roll one piece into a thin 12-inch circle and the other into a thicker 9-inch circle.

18. Step 18

    Now, take the 12-inch dough round and place it into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan.

19. Step 19

    Sprinkle a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough, creating a cheesy base.

20. Step 20

    Shape your Italian sausage into a 9-inch patty and place it right on top of the cheese.

21. Step 21

    Layer on the pepperoni, mushrooms, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and the remaining cheese for a hearty, flavorful filling.

22. Step 22

    Next, cover everything with the 9-inch dough round and pinch the edges to seal in all that goodness.

23. Step 23

    Don’t forget to cut several 1/2-inch vent holes in the top crust to let the steam escape.

24. Step 24

    Spread your delicious sauce evenly over the top, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.

25. Step 25

    Now it’s time to bake! Place your pizza in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden, the cheese is melted, and the sausage is cooked through.

26. Step 26

    Once it’s out of the oven, allow the pizza to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing it into wedges.

27. Step 27

    Serve it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor—there’s nothing quite like a homemade pizza!.