Loaded Pizza

Here in Chicago, we take our pizza seriously. So we know that every style has its place. This loaded pizza is all about piling on a dramatic amount of toppings while still delivering a balanced, flavorful slice. But it’s not just a cleaning-out-the-fridge pizza recipe (although it does help use up those items that are just on the brink of freshness); these curated ingredients are all classic Italian, and each one serves up a little taste of Italy.

When we say “loaded,” we mean it. This pizza features three types of meat (savory ground beef, turkey Italian sausage and turkey pepperoni), lots of vegetables and typical pizza toppings (peppers, onions and olives), a tangy tomato sauce and two types of cheese. The golden crust is sturdy enough to hold it all, proving that more really is the only way to go.

Loaded Pizza Ingredients

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms add earthy flavor and a hearty texture to pizza. Any type of mushroom will work, but button, cremini or portobello mushrooms are the most popular for pizza.
• Vegetables: Chopped bell pepper and white and red onion bring a serious garden vibe.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most flavor, but no one will judge you for using preminced jar-lic.
• Canola oil: Canola is the best cooking oil for sauteing veggies without adding extra flavor.
• Lean ground beef: Lean is the key here. A 90% lean blend of beef keeps the pizza from getting too greasy while still offering that hamburger taste and texture.
• Turkey Italian sausage: Using turkey instead of pork makes this sausage leaner, so it’s not overly heavy when combined with the other toppings. Be sure to remove the casings before cooking it. If you can’t find it at the store, make a quick batch of homemade Italian turkey sausage with plain ground turkey.
• Cornmeal: Not only does cornmeal give you that singular crispy texture on the bottom of the slice, but it also prevents the pie from sticking to the pan.
• Frozen bread dough: Frozen bread dough is the perfect shortcut to a chewy, sturdy pizza crust.
• Tomato sauce: What pizza is complete without tomato sauce? If you want to skip adding all the spices, you always can swap in a premade pizza sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley kicks up the brightness of the tomato sauce, balancing the spices and the richer toppings.
• Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper elevate our tomato sauce.
• Turkey pepperoni slices: If smoky, spicy turkey pepperoni isn’t your thing, traditional pepperoni is great here.
• Ripe olives: Olives make everything better. Their briny bite cuts through all the meat and cheese.
• Part-skim mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the most famous of pizza cheeses, and this pizza is lightened up a bit by using part-skim. It still has that great flavor, perfect pull and meltiness.
• Reduced-fat cheddar cheese: Cheddar gives this pizza a little bit of an edge. Choose a sharper one for even more bite, or a milder one for a more subtle hint.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the veggies

In a nonstick skillet, saute the mushrooms, peppers, onions and garlic in oil until they’re tender. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 2: Brown the meat

In the same skillet, cook the beef and sausage over medium heat until they’re no longer pink. Drain off the excess moisture.

Editor’s Tip: Cooking the beef and sausage together allows their flavors to blend as they brown. Be sure to drain off excess fat so the finished pizza stays crisp and not greasy.

Step 3: Prepare the crust

Coat a 14-inch pizza pan with cooking spray and sprinkle with cornmeal. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 15-inch circle and transfer it to the prepared pan.

Build up the edges slightly, and prick the dough thoroughly with a fork. Bake the crust at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until it’s lightly browned.

Step 4: Add the sauce and toppings

In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper, and spread the mixture over the crust.

Top the sauce with the vegetables, meat mixture, pepperoni and olives. Sprinkle the pizza with the cheeses.

Step 5: Bake the pizza

Bake the pizza for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Loaded Pizza Variations

• Make it very veggie: Skip the meat and load up on the vegetables. You can even add more options, like artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or even jalapenos as a topping. Hot honey is a great touch if you’d like a spicy-sweet finish.
• Explore sauces: Instead of tomato sauce, try pesto, homemade Alfredo sauce or rosy-pink vodka sauce. For a real cheese bomb, coat the crust with ricotta before adding the sauce.

How to Store a Loaded Pizza

Leftover pizza is one of the greatest gifts of pizza night. Once the pizza cools, store the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil before placing them in the refrigerator. Loaded pizza will last up to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze a loaded pizza?

Yes, you can freeze baked or unbaked loaded pizza. To freeze a fully baked pizza, wrap individual slices in foil and place them in a freezer bag for up to two months. For unbaked pizza, assemble the pizza on a parchment-lined pan, freeze it until it’s firm, then wrap it tightly in storage wrap and foil before storing it.

How do you reheat a loaded pizza?

Reheat loaded pizza in a 375° oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the crust is crisp and the cheese melts again. You can also reheat slices in a skillet on the stovetop, which keeps the crust surprisingly crisp.

Loaded Pizza Tips

What other types of dough can you use for a loaded pizza?

You can use almost any pizza dough you like for this recipe. Store-bought pizza dough is great for a quick shortcut, while homemade dough adds extra flavor and chewiness. For a hybrid solution, try making pizza dough foccacia with store-bought dough. Gluten-free pizza dough is also widely available and works well with hearty toppings like these. Cauliflower pizza crust can also hold the toppings surprisingly well.

What should you serve with a loaded pizza?

Loaded pizza has enough toppings to be a meal, but a garden salad is always a welcome addition. Garlic knots and cheesy bread are other traditional sides. Finally, finish it all off with a massive brownie ice cream sundae for a truly gluttonous experience!