Name: Meat Lovers Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade dough (12-inch crust); 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage; 1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces; 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni; 1/4 cup chopped ham; 1/4 cup sliced salami; 1/4 cup sliced Canadian bacon; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Olive oil for brushing

why make this recipe

Meat Lovers Pizza is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys a hearty meal packed with flavor. This pizza combines a variety of meats that melt perfectly together with gooey cheese and sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser at parties, game nights, or even just a cozy family dinner. Plus, making pizza at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality in every bite.

how to make Meat Lovers Pizza

Ingredients:

1 pre-made pizza dough or homemade dough (12-inch crust)
1 cup pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
1/2 cup cooked bacon pieces
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
1/4 cup chopped ham
1/4 cup sliced salami
1/4 cup sliced Canadian bacon
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive oil for brushing

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for best results.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the rolled dough onto a sheet of parchment paper for easier handling.
Lightly brush the dough edges with olive oil. This will give the crust a golden-brown color when baked.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Distribute the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, bacon pieces, pepperoni slices, chopped ham, sliced salami, and Canadian bacon evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle dried oregano and red pepper flakes evenly on top of the meat toppings.
Transfer the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone in the oven.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot.

how to serve Meat Lovers Pizza

Serve your Meat Lovers Pizza hot, straight from the oven. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or some garlic bread. You can also provide extra condiments like red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, or hot sauce for those who like a little kick.

how to store Meat Lovers Pizza

If you have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for quick reheating.

tips to make Meat Lovers Pizza

Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust. Preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes.
Experiment with different meats based on your preference—feel free to add or substitute with your favorites.
Ensure the toppings are distributed evenly to avoid soggy spots on your pizza.

variation

You can try a Meat Lovers White Pizza by using a white sauce or a pesto base instead of traditional tomato pizza sauce. This gives a different flavor while still keeping all the meaty goodness.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great option if you want to save time.

Q: What can I substitute for the meats?
A: You can switch meats with turkey sausage, chicken, or even keep it vegetarian with mushrooms and bell peppers.

Q: How can I make the pizza spicy?
A: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or include spicy sausage to kick up the heat.