Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos Pizza features a savory blend of spicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and smoky ham layered over a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a golden, crisp crust, delivering a hearty and flavorful pizza experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough mixer
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Ladle (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Baking tray or pizza screen
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Sausage slicer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough ball (for a 12-inch pizza)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-16 slices pepperoni
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1/3 cup diced or sliced ham
Use high-quality, fresh Italian sausage and pepperoni to achieve the authentic spicy and savory flavors characteristic of Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos Pizza. Ensure the mozzarella cheese is shredded finely for even melting and a gooey texture. To maintain the perfect crust texture, allow your dough ball to rest and rise properly before rolling it out. Measure the tomato pizza sauce carefully to balance moisture without making the crust soggy. Your homemade version will closely mimic the rich, bold taste of the Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos Pizza copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C) or highest setting.
- Lightly flour the cutting board and rolling pin.
- Roll out pizza dough to a 12-inch circle.
- Place dough onto a floured pizza peel or pizza screen.
- Ladle and spread tomato pizza sauce evenly over dough, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over sauce.
- Evenly distribute pepperoni slices over cheese.
- Add crumbled Italian sausage over pizza.
- Scatter diced or sliced ham over pizza.
- Carefully slide pizza onto preheated baking tray or directly into oven.
- Bake 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza with pizza peel.
- Transfer to cutting board.
- Slice with pizza cutter.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
The Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos Pizza copycat menu combines spicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and smoky ham over tomato sauce and mozzarella on a crisp crust. If you don't have Italian sausage on hand, you can substitute with ground pork seasoned with fennel and red pepper flakes for a similar flavor. Using pre-cooked meats saves time but ensure they are added towards the end of baking to prevent burning. Your choice of pizza sauce can be adjusted based on sweetness or spice level to suit your preference. When rolling your dough, flour the surface lightly to avoid sticking and achieve an even crust thickness.
Tips
Ensure your pizza dough is rolled evenly to avoid uneven baking and soggy spots. Use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking when transferring it to the oven. Bake at a high temperature, around 475degF (245degC), for 10-12 minutes to achieve a crisp crust with bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. Let your pizza rest briefly after baking before slicing to keep toppings intact and enhance flavor.
Nutritions
Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos is rich in protein due to its combination of spicy Italian sausage, pepperoni, and ham, making it a substantial source for muscle repair and growth. The pizza also provides a moderate amount of calcium and vitamin D from the melted mozzarella cheese, supporting bone health. Tomato pizza sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene, which have potential heart health benefits. Your meal contains carbohydrates primarily from the golden crust, offering energy to fuel your day.
Storage
Store leftover Italian Meat Pizza in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and prevent it from drying out. Refrigerate your pizza promptly, ideally within two hours of baking, to slow bacterial growth. When reheating, use a conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore the crust's crispiness and evenly melt the mozzarella cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef seasoned with fennel seeds and red pepper flakes for a milder yet flavorful option. Swap mozzarella cheese for a blend of mozzarella and provolone to add creaminess and depth to your pizza. Use fresh diced tomatoes blended with garlic and basil instead of traditional tomato sauce to give your pizza a fresher, more vibrant flavor. You can also parbake the crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings to ensure an extra crispy, golden base.
Allergies
Italian Meat Pizza from Donatos contains common allergens such as wheat in the pizza dough and dairy in the mozzarella cheese, which may cause reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. The processed meats like pepperoni, Italian sausage, and ham might include preservatives or additives that could trigger sensitivities. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to verify with the restaurant to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Donatos Pizza's Italian Meat Pizza is beloved for its generous toppings of seasoned Italian sausage, pepperoni, and savory meats layered over a robust tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella cheese, creating a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The bold combination of spices and high-quality meats sets it apart from ordinary pizzas, appealing to meat lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Your attempt to make this copycat recipe at home allows you to customize ingredients for freshness and adjust seasoning to match your taste preferences, ensuring an authentic and personalized dining experience. Replicating this iconic pizza offers a delicious way to enjoy Donatos' signature flavor while honing your culinary skills.