Homemade Triple Decker Pizza Recipe
Are you craving a pizza night with a twist? A triple decker pizza takes your pizza experience to a whole new level with its three layers of cheesy goodness, flavorful toppings, and crispy crust. Making it at home is not only fun but also allows you to customize each layer with your favorite ingredients. Follow this recipe to create a mouthwatering triple decker pizza that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the pizza sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the toppings:
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese blend)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
- Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the pizza sauce
While the dough is rising, prepare the pizza sauce.
- In a medium saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Season with oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor. Set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the toppings
While the sauce is simmering and the dough is rising, prepare your toppings. Slice the bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms. Cook and crumble the Italian sausage, and have your pepperoni, olives, and spinach ready.
Step 4: Roll out the dough
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into three equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a round pizza shape. The dough should be about ¼ inch thick for each layer.
Step 5: Assemble the triple decker pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust. Otherwise, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- First layer: Place the first rolled-out dough on the pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a layer of pizza sauce evenly across the dough. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices. You can also add some crumbled sausage or any of your other preferred toppings.
- Second layer: Gently place the second rolled-out dough on top of the first layer. Spread another layer of sauce, followed by 1 cup of cheese, and another selection of toppings (such as onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms).
- Third layer: Place the final dough layer on top. Add the remaining sauce, 1 cup of cheese, and finish with toppings like olives, spinach, or fresh basil. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake the pizza
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For an extra crispy crust, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 7: Slice and serve
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice your homemade triple decker pizza and serve it hot.
Tips for Success
- Customize the layers: Feel free to get creative with the toppings for each layer. You can go classic with pepperoni and sausage or experiment with vegetables, chicken, or even seafood.
- Cheese options: While mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese, you can mix it up with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Prebake the dough layers: If you’re concerned about the bottom layer being undercooked, you can prebake each dough layer for 5 minutes before assembling the pizza.
Final Thoughts
This triple decker pizza is the ultimate homemade treat, combining layers of delicious toppings and crust for an indulgent pizza experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just indulging in a weekend pizza night, this recipe will satisfy even the biggest pizza lovers!