'Don't Forget the Black Olives' Meat Pizza

This one is named in honor of my dad. The man loves black olives on his pizza. And an assortment of meat. He really does order the same kind of pizza wherever we go - including the house! Every time I make pizza he yells from the living room, "don't forget the black olives!" So, this one's for you, daddio!

'Don't Forget the Black Olives' Meat Pizza is exactly as it sounds - salami, pepperoni, sausage (sometimes chicken sausage), and black olives. You could really make this with any meat you like...just don't forget the black olives.

Part of what makes creating your own pizzas at home fun is the freedom to do what you want. Be creative! For that reason, I'm only ever going to give you some tips and a list of ingredients. Put however much of each topping on that you want! My only piece of advice: less is more when it comes to pizza. Too many toppings will weigh down your crust. Too much sauce will make it soggy.

Enjoy!

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'Don't Forget the Black Olives' Meat Pizza

Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (includes rise time for the dough)

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 3 Hours and 45 minutes

Servings: 2-3

INGREDIENTS:

1 Pizza Dough Ball

3-4 Tbsp of Tomato Sauce

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Provolone Cheese, grated (non-smoked)

Salami

Pepperoni

Sausage - any kind you want!

Black Olives

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. You want the oven to be HOT!

2. Cook your sausage on the stove over medium-high heat. Remove from heat and drain excess oil by putting sausage on a plate with paper towels. Set aside.

3. Tear up the fresh mozzarella. Grate the provolone. I like to buy non-smoked provolone slices at the store and grate it using a food processor with just the regular blade.

4. Prepare your pizza dough. Using your hands, slowly work the dough into a round(ish) shape, roughly 14-16" in diameter. Create a small crust around the perimeter of the dough but slightly rolling and twisting the edge of the dough at the same time. I like to press down on the crust so that it keeps its shape.

5. Top your pizza with 3-4 Tbsp of sauce, place fresh pieces of mozzarella around the entire pizza and sprinkle with grated provolone over the top. You want to make sure to not over-cheese the pizza - you still want to see a little bit of the sauce! Finish the pie with the rest of the toppings.

6. Bake on a pizza stone for 15-18 minutes.

7. Pull the pizza from the oven when the cheese is nice and melted and starting to look golden brown.  Wait 5 minutes to slice and serve!