Mushroom and Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (1 pound)
• Pizza sauce (1 cup)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
• Pepperoni slices (1 cup)
• Fresh mushrooms, sliced (1 cup)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic, minced (2 cloves)
• Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, approximately 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.
3. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a greased baking sheet or the preheated pizza stone.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
5. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, sautéing until they are tender and browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms over the pizza sauce.
8. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the mushrooms, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Top the pizza with the sliced pepperoni, arranging them evenly across the surface.
10. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza to the stone. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for a burst of flavor.
12. Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.