Pizza Casserole

I have some thoughts swirling around chaotically in my mind, and there's nothing like making pizza to distract me further. I recently tried a new way of making pizza and it's already a favorite. It's your basic Pizza, only you make it in a casserole dish (like a 9x13 pyrex), so that the dough comes up the sides and creates a sort of deep dish pizza.

You're welcome to use your own dough recipe, but if you want to try a REALLY good recipe, check this one out. 

Best Pizza Dough (for ONE crust)

1/2 Tbsp. dry yeast

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup warm water

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and leave in a warm place for 15 minutes.

2. Mix the flour with the salt, then add flour mixture and olive oil alternately to the yeast mixture.

3. Turn the dough out to a floured surface and knead for 4-5 minutes or until smooth.

4. Return the dough to the bowl and cover. Leave it to rise for 30 minutes.

5. Knead the dough for 2 minutes, then stretch it out to your desired shape and size.

Okay, now back to the Pizza Casserole.

Spread your dough into a very well Pam-greased 9x13 dish, or other casserole-type dish that you prefer, making sure that the crust covers all the way up the sides of the dish. Next, top with your favorite pizza toppings. Some of my favorites on this pizza include: my homemade delicious pizza sauce, browned Italian sausage, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, slightly-cooked broccoli (Yes, I love BROCCOLI on my pizza), Mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Buon Appetito!

The beauty of this recipe is that you just pile it all on. AND, with all those vegetables I only end up using about a half cup of cheese, making it that much more healthy than your average pizza.

Coming tomorrow: My All-Time Favorite "Old" Pizza.