Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
  • Fresh basil leaves for decoration

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil; mix until dough forms.
  3. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise for 30 minutes.
  5. While the dough is rising, keep the marinara sauce ready for spreading.
  6. Set the oven to 475°F and place the baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat.
  7. Once dough has risen, divide it in half.
  8. Roll out each portion into a round pizza shape.
  9. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
  10. Spread marinara sauce over the base and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
  11. Use pepperoni for the nose and olives for the eyes.
  12. Arrange bell pepper strips to form the whiskers and ears.
  13. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated baking sheet or stone. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  14. Once baked, let cool slightly, decorate with fresh basil if using, slice, and enjoy!