Dillon James from MOD Pizza features a flavorful blend of smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, fennel sausage, roasted red peppers, and green olives atop a hand-stretched, crispy thin crust, delivering a savory and satisfying pizza experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Dough roller or hands (for stretching dough)
- Pizza peel
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Sausage slicer or knife
- Baking tray or pizza screen (optional)
- Oven mitts
- Serving cutter/pizza wheel
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup smoked mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup fennel sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup green olives, sliced
When preparing your pizza, ensure you use smoked mozzarella for its distinctive flavor that sets this recipe apart. Fresh fennel sausage is ideal, but if unavailable, a quality pre-cooked sausage works as well. Roasted red peppers and green olives add essential tangy and salty notes, so opt for jarred or freshly roasted peppers to maintain authenticity. Your pepperoni should be thinly sliced to provide even coverage without overpowering the other ingredients. Dillon James from MOD Pizza achieves a balanced flavor profile by combining these specific ingredients on a crispy thin crust, creating a savory and satisfying pizza experience you can replicate at home.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Prepare all toppings: shred smoked mozzarella, slice pepperoni, cook and crumble fennel sausage, slice roasted red peppers and green olives.
- Lightly flour surface and stretch or roll pizza dough into a thin round shape.
- Transfer stretched dough to a floured pizza peel or baking tray/pizza screen.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough using ladle or spoon, leaving a border for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded smoked mozzarella evenly over sauce.
- Distribute pepperoni slices, crumbled fennel sausage, roasted red peppers, and green olives evenly over cheese.
- Slide pizza onto preheated oven stone or rack using pizza peel (or place tray in oven).
- Bake 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove pizza using pizza peel (or with oven mitts, if on tray) and place on cutting board.
- Slice pizza with serving cutter/pizza wheel.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Substitution
Dillon James from MOD Pizza copycat menu combines smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, fennel sausage, roasted red peppers, and green olives on a crispy thin crust, creating a flavorful and balanced pizza. If you don't have fennel sausage, Italian sausage or spicy chorizo can be excellent substitutes that maintain the savory profile. When lacking roasted red peppers, jarred roasted bell peppers or even sun-dried tomatoes add a similar sweetness and texture. For a quicker process, freeze-dried or pre-sliced green olives can save prep time without sacrificing taste. Ensure your dough is stretched evenly using a dough roller or your hands to achieve the ideal thin crust and maintain a crisp finish after baking.
Tips
Make sure your pizza oven reaches the full 475degF (245degC) before baking to achieve the perfect crispy crust and properly melted cheese. Use a lightly floured pizza peel or baking tray to prevent the dough from sticking when transferring it to the oven. Spread the sauce evenly while leaving a clear border to help form a well-defined crust. When slicing, use a sharp serving cutter or pizza wheel to ensure clean cuts without dragging the toppings.
Nutritions
This Dillon James pizza provides a rich source of protein from smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, and fennel sausage, supporting muscle health and satiety. The combination of roasted red peppers and green olives adds valuable antioxidants and dietary fiber, contributing to digestion and immune support. Your meal delivers a balance of fats, mainly from cheeses and meats, which enhances flavor while fueling energy needs. This pizza offers a satisfying, nutrient-rich option for those who enjoy bold, savory flavors.
Storage
To store leftover Dillon James pizza, wrap slices tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking and consume it within 3-4 days to ensure optimal flavor and texture. When reheating, use a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to crisp the crust and melt the cheese evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap smoked mozzarella with smoked gouda or provolone for a different smoky flavor profile. Substitute fennel sausage with spicy Italian sausage or crumbled chorizo to vary the spice level. Instead of green olives, try kalamata olives or capers to introduce a briny punch. You can also bake the pizza on a preheated baking steel or cast iron skillet if a pizza oven is unavailable, ensuring a crisp crust.
Allergies
The Dillon James pizza contains several common allergens such as dairy from smoked mozzarella cheese and pork from pepperoni and fennel sausage, which may trigger reactions in individuals allergic to milk or pork products. Olives and roasted red peppers can also cause sensitivities in some people with specific food allergies. You should exercise caution if you have known allergies to any of these ingredients before enjoying this flavorful pizza.
Why this recipe?
Dillon James from Mod Pizza is popular for its unique combination of spicy Italian sausage, roasted red peppers, and smoky mozzarella that delivers a bold and satisfying flavor profile. The artisanal crust is thin and crispy, perfectly complementing the fresh, high-quality ingredients that distinguish this pizza from typical fast-food options. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to customize the spice level and ingredient freshness to your preference, offering a personalized taste experience. Your homemade Dillon James pizza can replicate the authentic Mod Pizza experience while giving you control over portion and quality.