Mad Dog from Mod Pizza features spicy pepperoni, house-made Italian sausage, fresh jalapenos, and tangy marinara sauce atop a hand-stretched thin crust, delivering a bold and fiery flavor with a perfectly crispy bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough roller or hands for stretching dough
- Mixing bowls
- Sauce ladle
- Cheese grater
- Sauté pan (optional, for sausage)
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Portioning cups/spoons
- Pizza cutter
Ingredients
- 1 ball (about 250g) pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15-20 slices spicy pepperoni
- 1/3 cup cooked Italian sausage (crumbled)
- 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
The key to achieving the bold and fiery flavor of the Mad Dog pizza lies in using fresh jalapenos and house-made Italian sausage, which bring authentic spice and richness to every bite. Ensure your pizza dough is hand-stretched thin for a perfectly crispy crust that complements the toppings without becoming soggy. When preparing the sausage, cooking it beforehand allows for better flavor distribution and texture on your pizza. Using a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour prevents sticking when transferring the pizza to the oven. Your copycat Mad Dog pizza from Mod Pizza will capture the signature spicy pepperoni, tangy marinara, and fresh jalapeno flavor that fans love.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 500°F (260°C) or highest setting.
- Lightly dust pizza peel with cornmeal or flour.
- Stretch pizza dough ball to a 12-inch round using roller or hands.
- Place stretched dough on prepared pizza peel.
- Ladle and evenly spread marinara sauce over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over sauce.
- Distribute pepperoni slices evenly over cheese.
- Sprinkle crumbled cooked Italian sausage evenly across pizza.
- Scatter thinly sliced fresh jalapeños on top.
- Slide pizza into preheated oven using pizza peel.
- Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza with peel.
- Let pizza cool for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to cutting board.
- Slice with pizza cutter and serve hot.
Substitution
Mad Dog from Mod Pizza copycat menu can be customized by substituting spicy pepperoni with any spicy cured meat you have on hand, such as chorizo or soppressata, to maintain its bold flavor profile. If fresh jalapenos are not available, pickled jalapenos work well and add a tangy kick to your pizza. When preparing the Italian sausage, you can saute bulk sausage in a pan if you don't have pre-cooked sausage, ensuring it is fully cooked before adding to the pizza. For a crispier crust, preheat your pizza oven thoroughly and use a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking. To adjust heat levels to your preference, remove some or all jalapeno seeds as they carry much of the spiciness.
Tips
Make sure your pizza oven is fully preheated to 500degF (260degC) to achieve the perfect crispy crust and evenly melted cheese. Lightly dusting the pizza peel with cornmeal or flour prevents the dough from sticking, allowing for a smooth transfer into the oven. When stretching your dough, aim for an even 12-inch round to ensure consistent cooking and avoid soggy or undercooked spots. You should let the pizza cool for a minute or two after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice and eat without losing your toppings.
Nutritions
Mad Dog from Mod Pizza offers a protein-rich combination through spicy pepperoni and house-made Italian sausage, contributing to a substantial source of saturated fats and essential amino acids. The fresh jalapenos add a boost of vitamin C and capsaicin, which may support metabolism and provide antioxidant benefits. Marinara sauce provides lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, while the mozzarella cheese adds calcium and vitamin D for bone strength. When enjoying your pizza, keep in mind its calorie density and balance your meal with vegetables or a salad for optimal nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover Mad Dog pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to preserve its bold flavors and crispy crust. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) to prevent bacterial growth and maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, your best option is to use an oven or pizza oven to restore the perfect crispy bite without compromising the spicy pepperoni, Italian sausage, and fresh jalapenos.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute house-made Italian sausage with spicy chorizo for a smoky depth or opt for turkey sausage for a leaner alternative. Try roasting fresh jalapenos before slicing to mellow the heat while enhancing their sweetness. Consider swapping mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone to add a richer creamy texture. Experiment with adding a drizzle of honey or hot honey after baking to balance the spicy notes with subtle sweetness.
Allergies
Mad Dog from Mod Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded mozzarella cheese and wheat present in the pizza dough. The spicy pepperoni and house-made Italian sausage may include additives or spices that can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. Be sure to inform your server about any specific allergies to meat or dairy before ordering to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Mad Dog menu from Mod Pizza restaurant is popular for its bold combination of spicy pepperoni, jalapenos, and signature sauces that create a unique, flavorful experience. It features a perfect balance of heat and savory toppings, appealing to those who enjoy a fiery twist on classic pizza flavors. You can try to make the copycat at home to customize spice levels and recreate the authentic taste with fresh ingredients, saving money while satisfying your craving. Replicating this menu option allows for culinary creativity and the convenience of enjoying a favorite dish anytime.