Meat Pizza Recipe: Making a Delicious Meat Lover’s Pizza

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Meat Pizza Recipe
Meat Pizza Recipe

Meats, gooey cheese, and a perfectly crispy crust. Whether you’re a fan of pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or all of the above, this recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step.

By the end, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pizza right from your own oven!

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Sauce:

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Meat Toppings:

  • ½ cup pepperoni slices
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • ½ cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
  • ½ cup diced ham

Other Toppings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

  1. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
  3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture.
  4. Stir until the dough begins to form, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce and tomato paste over low heat.
  2. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
  3. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of space from the edges.
  2. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  3. Add your prepared meats: pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ham, and chicken.
  4. Sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor.
  5. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

  1. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  2. Remove from the oven and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  3. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Slice the pizza into 6-8 pieces.
  3. Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips for the Best Meat Pizza

  • Use high-quality meats: Fresh, well-seasoned meats make a big difference in flavor.
  • Precook your meats: This ensures they’re fully cooked and don’t release excess grease onto the pizza.
  • Try different cheeses: Mixing cheeses like provolone, gouda, or feta can enhance the taste.
  • Use a pizza stone: It helps achieve a crispy, pizzeria-style crust.
  • Let the dough rise properly: A well-rested dough creates a fluffy yet crispy base.

Variations of Meat Pizza

1. BBQ Meat Pizza

Swap the traditional tomato sauce with BBQ sauce and add smoked pulled pork or shredded beef for a smoky, tangy twist.

2. Spicy Meat Pizza

Use spicy Italian sausage, jalapeños, and extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.

3. Meat-Lover’s Supreme Pizza

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions along with your meat toppings for a fully loaded experience.

4. Keto-Friendly Meat Pizza

Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust and opt for sugar-free sauce to make a low-carb version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. How do I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

Make sure to precook meats and avoid overloading the sauce and cheese.

3. Can I cook this pizza on a grill?

Absolutely! Preheat the grill, place the rolled-out dough on it for 2 minutes per side, then add toppings and finish cooking with the lid closed.

4. What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?

Wrap slices in foil or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven for the best texture.

5. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought dough works great. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.

Conclusion

Making a homemade meat pizza is easier than you think!

With fresh ingredients, a perfect crust, and a variety of savory meats, you can create a delicious and satisfying pizza right in your kitchen.

Whether you stick to classic pepperoni and sausage or get creative with BBQ and spicy variations, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

So, fire up that oven and treat yourself to the ultimate meat pizza experience!

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