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**Instructions**:
**Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough**
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water and add the yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and stir to combine. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
**Step 2: Make the Sauce**
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
**Step 3: Preheat the Oven**
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, this is the time to heat it up as well. A hot oven is key to getting a perfectly crispy crust.
**Step 4: Roll Out the Dough**
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half if you’re making two pizzas. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. For a thick crust, leave it a little thicker, about 1/2 inch. For a thinner crust, roll it out thinner. Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone.
**Step 5: Assemble the Pizza**
Spread a generous layer of the homemade sauce over the dough. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and then top with sharp cheddar cheese for an extra Texas twist. Add your toppings: crumbled sausage, pepperoni, red onions, and jalapeños. Be generous with your toppings—this pizza is all about bold flavors and plenty of them!
**Step 6: Bake the Pizza**
Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using a pizza stone, this will help ensure that the crust gets extra crispy on the bottom.
**Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches**
Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle it with a little barbecue sauce for that smoky sweetness, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
Slice the pizza into big, hearty pieces (just like my Texas hubby likes!) and serve hot. Watch as your family and friends devour slice after slice, and maybe even ask for seconds (or, in my hubby’s case, thirds)!
#### Why This Pizza Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
– **It’s Hearty**: This pizza isn’t for those watching their calorie count—it’s designed for big appetites. The combination of thick dough, melty cheese, savory sausage, and zesty jalapeños makes each bite satisfying and hearty.
– **The Texas Touch**: From the smoky sausage to the barbecue drizzle, this pizza brings a true taste of Texas into every slice. The cheddar cheese and jalapeños give it that Southern kick, while the barbecue sauce takes it to the next level.
– **Customizable**: Like most great pizza recipes, this one is incredibly flexible. Don’t like sausage? Try pulled pork or grilled chicken. Want more heat? Add extra jalapeños or even some hot sauce. You can make it your own!
– **Feeds a Crowd**: This pizza is perfect for feeding a large group. And if you’ve got a Texas hubby who can put away 10 slices in one sitting, you’ll want to have enough to keep him satisfied (and maybe even share some with the rest of the family!).
#### Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pizza that’s big, bold, and full of flavor—just like Texas itself—this **Texas-style pizza** is the perfect recipe to try. It’s the kind of pizza that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the most enthusiastic pizza eaters (10 slices, anyone?). Packed with all the savory, smoky, and spicy flavors we love, this pizza will quickly become a family favorite.
So the next time you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal, skip the takeout and make this homemade masterpiece. Your hubby might just surprise you with how many slices he can eat! (But don’t worry, there’s always room for more in the oven.)
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