Italian > Pizza > Stuffed Pizza

Stuffed Pizza Pugliese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.

5. Top the cheese with the cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, chopped roasted red peppers, and chopped fresh basil.

6. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching the edges to seal.

7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pizza.

8. Transfer the pizza to a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 920mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of Italian sausage, you can use cooked and crumbled bacon or sliced pepperoni.
- Instead of roasted red peppers, you can use sliced mushrooms or chopped olives.
- Instead of fresh basil, you can use dried Italian seasoning.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions or garlic to the filling.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables, such as sliced zucchini or eggplant.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to leave a 1-inch border around the edges of the dough to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust it with flour before rolling it out.
- For a crispier crust, preheat the pizza stone in the oven for 10 minutes before adding the pizza.

Storage instructions:
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat the pizza, place it on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Cut the pizza into slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
Serve the pizza with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is soggy, try baking the pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, try broiling the pizza for 1-2 minutes at the end of the cooking time.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the Italian sausage thoroughly before adding it to the pizza.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Pizza originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century. It was originally a simple flatbread topped with tomatoes and cheese, but it has since evolved into a popular dish with many variations.

Flavor profiles:
This pizza has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the Italian sausage, balanced by the sweetness of the roasted red peppers and the freshness of the basil.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Rich, Spicy, Tangy