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Colorado-style pizza

Colorado-style pizza

A hearty Colorado-style pizza with a thick, fluffy braided crust, layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, savory sausage, pepperoni, and fresh vegetables. This mountain-inspired pie delivers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a golden crust that holds every generous topping beautifully.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
  • 3 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup pepperoni slices
  • 1 cup Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C and lightly grease a pizza pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead until smooth and elastic.
  3. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Roll dough into a thick circle and form a raised braided edge. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the surface.
  5. Layer mozzarella cheese, cooked sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, black olives, and diced tomatoes evenly.
  6. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  7. Remove from oven, top with fresh basil, rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Notes

  • Allow the dough to rest fully for a soft and airy crust texture.
  • Use low moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid on the crust.
  • Let the pizza rest before slicing to keep toppings in place.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Colorado-style pizza, thick crust pizza, braided crust pizza, mountain style pizza, homemade pizza