Double Crust Stuffed Pizza

Recipe View 5 mins In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine white sugar and warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the warm sugar water and let stand for 5 minutes, or until the yeast softens and forms a creamy foam. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil. (Estimated time: 5 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix half of the flour mixture into the yeast water, stirring until no dry spots remain. Gradually add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Alternatively, use a dough hook in a stand mixer. (Estimated time: 15 minutes)

Recipe View 1 hrs Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, approximately 1 hour. (Estimated time: 1 hour)

Recipe View 30 mins While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and salt. Cover the pan and cook over low heat until the tomatoes begin to break down, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Deflate the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll one piece into a 12-inch thin circle and the other into a thicker, 9-inch circle. (Estimated time: 15 minutes)

Recipe View 20 mins Place the 12-inch dough round into an ungreased 9-inch springform pan. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Shape the Italian sausage into a 9-inch patty and place it on top of the cheese. Layer pepperoni, mushrooms, green pepper, red pepper, and the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sausage patty. Top with the 9-inch dough round and pinch the edges to seal. Cut several 1/2-inch vent holes in the top crust. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edges. (Estimated time: 20 minutes)

Recipe View 45 mins Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is set, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sausage is cooked through, approximately 40 to 45 minutes. (Estimated time: 40-45 minutes)

Recipe View 15 mins Let the pizza rest for 15 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too messy. (Estimated time: 15 minutes)