Meat Lovers Pizza

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat Oven and Prepare Meats

   • Place a pizza stone or an inverted heavy-duty baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30-45 minutes. A very hot surface is key for a crispy crust.
   • While the oven preheats, cook the meats. Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat for 7-9 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
   • In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and browned. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
2. 2

   Shape the Dough

   • Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place the room-temperature pizza dough on the surface.
   • Using your fingertips, gently press and stretch the dough from the center outwards, forming a 12 to 14-inch circle. Avoid using a rolling pin, as this deflates the air bubbles that create a light, chewy crust.
   • Sprinkle the cornmeal onto a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper. Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the peel.
3. 3

   Assemble the Pizza

   • Brush the outer 1-inch edge of the dough with olive oil. This helps the crust turn golden brown.
   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the oiled border clean.
   • Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Evenly distribute the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, and pepperoni slices over the cheese.
   • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and optional garlic powder over everything.
4. 4

   Bake to Perfection

   • Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has some browned spots.
5. 5

   Rest and Serve

   • Using the pizza peel or tongs, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set, preventing toppings from sliding off when you slice it.
   • Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.