Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using store-bought dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. If you’re using homemade dough, stretch it out into a circle or rectangle shape to fit your baking tray.
Place the dough on a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spread the Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring that the cheese covers the pizza evenly.
Load the Toppings:
Now it’s time to load your pizza! Arrange your cooked pepperoni, red bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms on top of the cheese. Feel free to mix and match or add more toppings based on your preferences.
Sprinkle the dried oregano over the toppings for an extra layer of flavor.
Bake the Pizza:
Place the loaded pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Keep an eye on the pizza to make sure it doesn’t burn, especially if your toppings are piled high.
Finish and Serve:
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven. Brush the crust with a little olive oil for an extra touch of flavor and shine. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for added color and freshness.
Slice the pizza into wedges, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tip: Serve this loaded pizza with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to create a complete meal. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dipping sauce, like ranch or marinara.
Storing Tip: If you have leftover pizza, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot oven for best results to maintain the crispy crust.
Variants:
Vegetarian Loaded Pizza:
Skip the meats and load up your pizza with even more fresh vegetables like spinach, zucchini, artichokes, and cherry tomatoes. You can also add some ricotta or feta cheese for added creaminess.
BBQ Chicken Loaded Pizza:
Swap the tomato sauce for a tangy BBQ sauce. Add cooked, shredded chicken, red onions, and cilantro, along with mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This version offers a smoky, sweet twist on the classic pizza.
Meat Lover’s Loaded Pizza:
For those who enjoy a heartier pizza, pile on extra meats like sausage, bacon, ground beef, and ham. The more, the better for a meat lover’s dream come true.
Buffalo Chicken Loaded Pizza:
Replace the traditional sauce with buffalo sauce, and top with cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce. Add red onions, celery, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing after baking for a spicy, tangy kick.
FAQ:
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza with all the toppings and freeze it before baking. To bake, simply place it in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I use a gluten-free pizza dough?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pizza dough in place of traditional dough to make this pizza suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique flavor profile. Just make sure to have at least one cheese that melts well, like mozzarella.
How can I make the crust extra crispy?
For a crispier crust, try pre-baking the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. This helps the dough crisp up before the sauce and cheese are added.
What’s the best way to store leftover pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until the crust becomes crispy again.
This loaded pizza recipe is a delicious, customizable meal that’s sure to please any crowd. With endless possibilities for toppings and a golden, crispy crust, it’s the perfect dish for a family dinner, a party, or a cozy night in. Try it out, and enjoy the flavors of a truly mouthwatering pizza!
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