Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza features a flavorful blend of savory pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives atop a hand-tossed crust, layered with tangy pizza sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, delivering a deliciously balanced and satisfying slice.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough roller or dough press
- Pizza cutter
- Mixing bowls
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet or pizza screen
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients to closely replicate the authentic taste of Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza. Make sure your pizza dough is well-rested and properly rolled or pressed to achieve a hand-tossed texture. Use the specified amounts of pepperoni, mushrooms, green bell peppers, and black olives to maintain the balance of flavors. Fresh vegetables should be sliced evenly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution. Your copycat version of the Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza will deliver a savory, delicious experience when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface and use dough roller or press to shape pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer dough onto a pizza screen or baking sheet.
- Use a sauce ladle to evenly spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese.
- Distribute sliced mushrooms, green bell peppers, and black olives evenly over the pizza.
- Use pizza peel to transfer pizza to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove pizza from oven and transfer to a cooling rack for 2 minutes.
- Use pizza cutter to slice and serve.
Substitution
Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza copycat menu replicates the classic combination of pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, and black olives on a hand-tossed crust with rich pizza sauce and melted mozzarella. If fresh mushrooms or green peppers are unavailable, canned mushrooms or roasted red peppers can be used as suitable substitutes without sacrificing flavor. Your pizza dough can be made thicker or thinner depending on your preference by adjusting the rolling or pressing process before baking. When using a home oven instead of a pizza oven, a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone can help achieve a crispier crust. Be mindful to evenly distribute toppings to ensure balanced cooking and a consistent taste in every slice.
Tips
Make sure your pizza oven reaches the full 475degF (245degC) before baking to ensure a perfectly crisp crust. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking when rolling out to the ideal 12-inch size. Spread your sauce evenly but don't overload it, or the crust may become soggy during baking. After baking, allowing the pizza to rest on a cooling rack prevents the bottom from getting soggy, preserving your slice's texture for your enjoyment.
Nutritions
The Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza offers a rich source of protein from the pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. Fresh mushrooms, green bell peppers, and black olives add valuable fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium to aid digestion and boost your immune system. The hand-tossed crust provides carbohydrates for energy, while the pizza sauce contributes lycopene, an important antioxidant. When enjoying your slice, consider balancing your meal with a side of fresh greens to increase overall nutrient intake.
Storage
To keep Your Founder's Favorite Pizza fresh, wrap any leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the pizza within two hours of baking, and consume it within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and texture. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy crust and melted cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute pepperoni with spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. You can also swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone to enhance the cheese flavor. Your green peppers can be roasted beforehand to add a smoky depth to the toppings. Finally, try brushing the crust with garlic butter before baking for a rich, aromatic finish.
Allergies
Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the hand-tossed pizza dough. The presence of pepperoni may also be a concern for individuals sensitive to pork or processed meats. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies or intolerances before enjoying this flavorful pizza.
Why this recipe?
The Founder's Favorite Pizza from Donatos Pizza restaurant is praised for its perfectly balanced combination of fresh pepperoni, savory Italian sausage, and flavorful mushrooms on a thin, crispy crust. This signature pie delivers a rich, savory taste that satisfies both traditional and adventurous pizza lovers. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate the authentic Donatos experience at home, using high-quality ingredients to capture the unique flavor profile. You will enjoy crafting a restaurant-quality pizza that brings the comfort and satisfaction of a local favorite right to your kitchen.