Shelly's Recipe

PEPPER SAUSAGE PIZZA

Category: Pizza

PEPPER SAUSAGE PIZZA
3 to 4 cups flour, divided
1 pkg (1/4 oz) quick-rise yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water (120 to 130)
1/4 cup Crisco Pure Olive Oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
3 cups torn fresh spinach
1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 lb bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 lb fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/2 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
1 1/2 tsp pizza seasoning or Italian seasoning
3 tbsp minced fresh basil, optional

In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour, yeast and sugar. Add water; beat until smooth. Add the oil, salt, dried basil, pepper, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 2 cups flour; beat until blended. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, place spinach in a microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave on high for 30 seconds or just until wilted. Uncover and set aside.

Press dough into a greased jelly-roll baking pan. Spread with pizza sauce; sprinkle with 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, sausage, onion, spinach, mushrooms and yellow pepper. Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Sprinkle with pizza seasoning. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with fresh basil if desired. Cut into squares.