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Chicago Thin Crust Sausage Pizza with Pepperonci

Spicy Sausage and Pepperoncini Thin Crust Pizza (Tavern Style)

Posted by Dee
We're bringing the bold flavors of a Chicago tavern right to your kitchen with a perfectly crisp, cracker-thin crust topped with zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, savory sausage, and tangy pepperoncini.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Rise Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 1 14" Pizza
Difficulty advanced

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water, 110°F
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • cornmeal, for pizza peel

For the Sauce

  • 1 can, 28 oz peeled tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Toppings

  • ¾ cup spicy Italian sausage, shredded, see notes for recipe link
  • ½ cup pepperoncini, drained, see notes for recipe link
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup pecorino romano cheese, grated

Instructions
 

Make the Dough

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  • Using the dough hook attachment, mix on low speed until the dough begins to come together, then increase to medium speed. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

First Rise & Fermentation

  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  • Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half. Shape each half into a ball.
  • Let the dough rest at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 3 hours. For better results, refrigerate the dough overnight. For the best results, refrigerate the dough for at least 3 days and up to 5 days.

Prepare the Dough

  • Take one dough ball and transfer it to a lightly floured pastry mat. Roll it out with a rolling pin 12-14”. Repeat with the second dough ball if making both pizzas at once.
  • Use a docker or fork to poke holes all over the rolled-out dough. This prevents bubbles from forming during baking.
  • Let the dough sit at room temperature, uncovered, for at least 3 hours until it is cured and noticeably dry on top.

Make the Sauce

  • In a blender or food processor, blend the peeled tomatoes until smooth.
  • In a small pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add blended tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Assembly

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F and place the pizza stone inside to heat up for about 45 minutes.
  • Lightly sprinkle cornmeal on the pizza peel to prevent sticking. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pizza peel.
  • Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Distribute the raw Italian sausage and pepperoncini over the cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Carefully slide the pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven using the pizza peel. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Keyword thin crust pizza
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