Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- Punch down the dough and divide it in half (if making two pizzas). Roll out each dough ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange the sliced bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach over the cheese.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using.
4. Bake the Pizza:
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Slice and serve hot.
