Meat Lovers Pizza
Loaded with savory pepperoni, Italian sausage, and crispy bacon on a rich tomato sauce base, this pizza is a carnivore's dream. Perfect for game night or a satisfying family dinner, ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Preheat Oven and Prepare Meats
- b.Place a pizza stone or an inverted heavy-duty baking sheet on the middle rack of your oven. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30-45 minutes. A very hot surface is key for a crispy crust.
- c.While the oven preheats, cook the meats. Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat for 7-9 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
- d.In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the Italian sausage. Cook over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked and browned. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape the Dough
- b.Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place the room-temperature pizza dough on the surface.
- c.Using your fingertips, gently press and stretch the dough from the center outwards, forming a 12 to 14-inch circle. Avoid using a rolling pin, as this deflates the air bubbles that create a light, chewy crust.
- d.Sprinkle the cornmeal onto a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper. Carefully transfer the shaped dough onto the peel.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Pizza
- b.Brush the outer 1-inch edge of the dough with olive oil. This helps the crust turn golden brown.
- c.Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving the oiled border clean.
- d.Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- e.Evenly distribute the cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, and pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- f.Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and optional garlic powder over everything.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Bake to Perfection
- b.Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- c.Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has some browned spots.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Using the pizza peel or tongs, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board for 3-5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set, preventing toppings from sliding off when you slice it.
- c.Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your pizza dough is at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before stretching. Cold dough is stiff and difficult to work with.
- 2Use low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella releases too much water and can make the pizza soggy.
- 3Don't overload the pizza with toppings. A balanced amount ensures the crust cooks through properly and doesn't become soggy.
- 4Thoroughly drain the cooked sausage and bacon to prevent the pizza from becoming greasy.
- 5For an extra flavor boost, you can mix a pinch of garlic powder and dried oregano into the olive oil before brushing it on the crust.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Meats
Swap or add other meats like cooked ground beef, Canadian bacon, or sliced prosciutto (add prosciutto after baking).
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
For a supreme-style pizza, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms along with the meats.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet, and add some sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Sauce VariationSauce Variation
Substitute the tomato sauce with a robust BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor profile that pairs well with the meats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
The combination of sausage, pepperoni, and bacon provides a substantial amount of protein, which is crucial for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining satiety.
Source of Key Nutrients
This pizza offers important nutrients like calcium and vitamin D from the cheese for bone health, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, from the tomato sauce.
Energy Boosting
The carbohydrates from the pizza crust provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying meal after a long day or before an active evening.
Frequently asked questions
A typical slice of this homemade Meat Lovers Pizza contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact brands of ingredients used and the thickness of the crust.