Pepperoni-Sausage Stuffed Pizza Recipe

 TOTAL TIME: Prep: 45 min. + rising Bake: 40 min. + standing MAKES: 12 servings

Ingredients
1                   package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
1-1/4            cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2                  tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2           teaspoons salt
1                 teaspoon sugar
3-1/2 to 4    cups all-purpose flour

FILLING:
2-1/2          cups (10 ounces) shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese, divided
2-1/2         cups (10 ounces) shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
2                tablespoons all-purpose flour
2                teaspoons dried oregano
2                teaspoons dried basil
1/2             teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1                pound bulk Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
1/2             pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1                package (3-1/2 ounces) sliced pepperoni
1               can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:
1 .    In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. In a large bowl, combine oil, salt, sugar, yeast mixture and 1 cup flour; beat on medium speed until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.

2 .    Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.

3 .     Preheat oven to 425°. Grease a 13x9-in. baking pan. Punch down dough; divide into three portions. On a lightly floured surface, combine two portions of dough and roll into a 15x11-in. rectangle. Transfer to prepared pan, pressing onto bottom and up sides of pan. Top with 2 cups mozzarella cheese and 2 cups cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with flour, seasonings, cooked sausage, mushrooms and pepperoni.

4 .       Roll out remaining dough into a 13x9-in. rectangle. Place dough over filling, crimping edges to seal; prick top with a fork. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Bake on a lower oven rack 10 minutes.

5 .       Reduce oven setting to 375°. Spread pizza sauce over cheese. Bake 30-35 minutes longer or until edges are lightly browned. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. 

Medium-Bodied Red Wine
Enjoy this recipe with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti, Sangiovese, Malbec or Zinfandel.
Heart healthy