Sausage and Mushroom Pizza

1. 1

   Prepare the oven and dough

   • Place a pizza stone or steel on the middle rack of your oven.
   • Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes.
   • While the oven heats, let your pizza dough sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This makes it easier to stretch.
2. 2

   Cook the sausage and mushrooms

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
   • In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture, about 6-8 minutes.
   • Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper.
3. 3

   Shape the dough

   • Lightly flour a work surface. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle.
   • Sprinkle the cornmeal onto a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper. Place the stretched dough on top.
4. 4

   Assemble the pizza

   • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
   • Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
   • Evenly distribute the cooked sausage and sautéed mushrooms over the cheese.
   • Top with the remaining mozzarella, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. 5

   Bake the pizza

   • Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the hot pizza stone in the oven.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil.
   • Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.

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