A Taste of Italy: Homemade Pizza with Bacon, and Pepperoni

Who can resist the allure of a freshly baked Italian pizza, with its golden crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings? If you're craving a taste of Italy in your own kitchen, why not try your hand at making a homemade pizza with mozzarella cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty pepperoni? Follow along with this step-by-step recipe to create a delicious pie that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the streets of Naples.

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Toppings:

1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pizza Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. If not, you can use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to deflate it and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the crumbled bacon and sliced pepperoni.
Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated oven, either onto the pizza stone or directly onto the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Garnish and Serve: Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra savory kick. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy! Slice the homemade pizza into wedges or squares and serve it hot, with your favorite Italian beverages on the side. Whether you're enjoying it as a family dinner or serving it at a gathering with friends, this homemade pizza with mozzarella, bacon, and pepperoni is sure to be a hit!

Buon Appetito!

There you have it – a mouthwatering recipe for homemade Italian pizza that combines the classic flavors of mozzarella, bacon, and pepperoni in every delicious bite. With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings and transport you to the bustling streets of Naples. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and don't forget the sauce. You never forget the sauce.