Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen features savory pepperoni, spicy sausage, and tender mushrooms layered over melted mozzarella cheese on a crispy, golden-brown thin crust, delivering a flavorful and satisfying combination of hearty and aromatic tastes.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Sausage slicer or knife
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz pepperoni slices
- 4 oz cooked Italian sausage, sliced or crumbled
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Flour (for dusting)
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
When preparing your Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza, ensure the pizza dough is properly rested and rolled out evenly for a thin, crispy crust. Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor, as canned or dried mushrooms can alter the taste. The combination of spicy sausage and pepperoni adds savory depth, so adjust the quantity based on your preference for heat and seasoning. Lightly dusting your pizza peel with flour or cornmeal prevents sticking when transferring the pizza to the oven. Your copycat version of Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen will closely match the original's bold, aromatic, and hearty flavors when these ingredient tips are followed.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 500°F (260°C) or as hot as possible.
- Place pizza stone or baking sheet in oven to preheat.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and rolling pin.
- Roll out pizza dough to desired thinness.
- Sprinkle pizza peel with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Transfer rolled dough to pizza peel.
- Drizzle olive oil over dough and brush evenly.
- Spread pizza sauce over dough with ladle or spoon.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over sauce.
- Evenly distribute pepperoni slices over cheese.
- Top with sliced or crumbled cooked Italian sausage.
- Add sliced fresh mushrooms evenly on top.
- Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes over toppings.
- Slide pizza from peel onto hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza using peel and let cool on cooling rack for 2–3 minutes.
- Slice with knife and serve hot.
Substitution
Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen copycat menu captures the signature blend of spicy sausage, savory pepperoni, and tender mushrooms on a crispy thin crust with melted mozzarella. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned or dried mushrooms rehydrated can be used with slight texture differences. You can substitute Italian sausage with any spicy pork sausage or even chicken sausage to adjust the flavor profile and fat content. When shaping your dough, use a dusting of flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking and enhance the crust's texture. To maximize flavor, consider sauteing mushrooms before adding them to improve moisture release and avoid soggy pizza.
Tips
Make sure your pizza stone or baking sheet is fully preheated before sliding the pizza onto it to ensure a crispy crust. Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings as excess moisture from mushrooms can make the crust soggy. Use just enough flour for dusting your surface and cornmeal on the peel to prevent the dough from sticking without altering the texture. When slicing, let your pizza cool slightly on a rack for cleaner cuts and to avoid burning your fingers.
Nutritions
Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen provides a rich source of protein and calcium from mozzarella cheese combined with the savory flavors of pepperoni and Italian sausage, which also contribute essential B vitamins and zinc. The fresh mushrooms add dietary fiber, antioxidants, and important minerals like selenium, enhancing the pizza's overall nutritional profile. Olive oil drizzled on the crust offers healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. This pizza delivers a balanced mix of macronutrients to satisfy your hunger while incorporating flavorful ingredients that contribute to your daily nutrient intake.
Storage
To store your Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza, wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent freezer burn. Place wrapped slices in an airtight container or freezer bag if refrigerating, and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze the wrapped pizza for up to 2 months; reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) on a baking sheet or pizza stone until heated through and crust is crispy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap fresh mushrooms with sauteed shiitake or portobello for a deeper umami flavor. For a spicier kick, substitute Italian sausage with chorizo or add a drizzle of hot honey after baking. To achieve an even crispier crust, try par-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Experiment with smoked mozzarella or a blend of cheeses like provolone and parmesan to elevate the cheesy richness.
Allergies
Your Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the pizza dough, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The sausage and pepperoni can also contain preservatives and additives that might trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Be cautious of potential cross-contamination with flour or cornmeal if you have severe allergies.
Why this recipe?
Mushroom Pepperoni Sausage Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen blends savory pepperoni, hearty sausage, and fresh mushrooms on a perfectly crisp crust, creating a balanced and flavorful experience. The combination of premium meats with earthy mushrooms offers a unique, satisfying taste that appeals to a wide range of pizza lovers. Its bold yet harmonious flavors make replicating this recipe rewarding for those who want to enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza at home. Your taste buds will appreciate the authentic, rich flavors that come from making this popular menu item yourself.