Ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour: 3 cups (360g), plus more for dusting
  • Yellow cornmeal: 1/4 cup (30g)
  • Instant dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (4g)
  • Kosher salt: 1 teaspoon (6g)
  • Lukewarm water: 1 cup (240ml) (about 105-115°F / 40-46°C)
  • Olive oil: 1/4 cup (60ml), plus more for greasing
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (57g), melted
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 pound (450g), sliced or shredded (low moisture, part-skim is best)
  • Italian sausage: 1 pound (450g), cooked and crumbled (remove casings if necessary)
  • Yellow onion: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
  • Green bell pepper: 1/2 medium, thinly sliced
  • Fresh mushrooms: 4 oz (113g), sliced
  • Crushed tomatoes: 28 ounces (794g)
  • Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Dried basil: 1 teaspoon (2g)
  • Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon (1g)
  • Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick)
  • Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (2g)
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)

Instructions:

  1. Make the Dough: Combine flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add water, olive oil, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  2. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough rises, cook the sausage, slice the vegetables, and prepare the sauce.
  4. Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, sugar, and olive oil. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Shape the Dough: Press the dough into the greased cast iron skillet, pressing it up the sides to create a high crust. Rest for 15 minutes.
  6. Assemble the Pizza: Layer mozzarella cheese evenly across the bottom of the crust. Top with cooked sausage, onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Pour the tomato sauce over the filling.
  7. Bake the Pizza: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the pizza cool in the skillet for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.