Stuffed Crust Pan Pizza

Nothing healthy about this dish, but the crust is delightfully crisp and full of gooey cheese. 

Stuffed Crust Pan Pizza

Ingredients

For the crust

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp active, dry yeast
• 1 tsp honey
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the pizza

• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1/3 cup tomato sauce
• 6oz fresh mozzarella pearls
• 1/4 cup diced red and green peppers
• 1/4 mushrooms, sliced and sauteed
• 2 tbsp red onion, sliced very thin
• 2oz Italian turkey sausage, crumbled and cooked
• 2oz pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella 
• oregano
• garlic powder
• grated parmesan

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the water, yeast and honey. Allow the yeast to bloom for 10 minutes. Add the flour, salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Using the dough hook, combine the ingredients and beat on medium high speed until the dough ball forms and pulls away from the bowl. The dough should be smooth and not sticky. If still tacky, add small spoonfuls of flour until smooth. Remove the dough from the bowl and form a smooth ball. Grease the mixing bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil. Return the dough ball to the bowl. Cover the bowl with a hand towel and allow the dough to double in size (about 60 to 90 minutes). 

In a 12in cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic cloves. Brown the cloves over medium-low heat. Remove the oil and garlic from the pan and reserve for later in a small bowl. Allow the pan to cool.

Flour a work surface and using a rolling pin flatten the pizza dough into a 14in circle. Transfer the dough to the skillet. Press the dough into the pan ensuring no air bubbles. Drape the excess dough over the edges of the pan. Line the edge of the pan with mozzarella peals. Trim the dough such that there is only about 1in of dough above the cheese. Roll the edge of the dough over the cheese. Tuck the edge into the pan. Crimp the dough if necessary to seal in the cheese. 

Preheat oven to 475F.

Spread the sauce evenly over the center of the dough. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella pearls over the center of the pizza. Top with peppers, mushrooms, onions, sausage and pepperoni. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Brush the crust with the garlic-infused olive oil. Season the entire pizza (crust included) to taste with parmesan, oregano and garlic powder. 

Cook the pizza over medium-high heat on the stovetop for 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the oven and cook for 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. 

Serves 2

Notes from the Chef:

-If cooking on an electric stove, ensure the burner is preheated before cooking the pizza

-The 3 to 4 minutes on the stovetop is necessary to ensure a crisp bottom crust

-Mix and match any of your favorite pizza toppings; consider using smoked instead of fresh mozz