Football Pizza

 The BCS National Championship game between Alabama and Notre Dame will be under way shortly, so we thought we would share one of our favorite football recipes! 

You can’t go wrong with a classic pepperoni pizza, especially when it's shaped into a football. (Inspiration from here)

We used the recipes below for our crust and sauce, but if you're in a rush just grab some pre made crust and your favorite sauce at the store and Voila! You're ready for the big game. 

Pizza Crust

• 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 Packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 Tsp. kosher salt
• 1 Cup water, 105-110 degrees F
• 2 Tsp. olive oil
• 1/4 Cup cornmeal
• 
  
• 1. Dissolve yeast in warm water in a stand mixer bowl. 
• 2. Add 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, and olive oil. 
• 3. Mix on level 2 about 1 minute.
• 4. Continuing on Speed 2, add 1/2 cup flour as needed until dough clings to dough hook. (About 2 minutes)
• 5. Place dough in greased bowl, covered, in a warm place, until it doubles in size (About an hour)
• 6. Brush a pizza pan with oil. Sprinkle with cornmeal. 
• 6. Lightly knead dough and press onto pizza pan. 
• 7. Add toppings as desired and bake at 450 degrees F for 10-15 minutes. 

Pizza Sauce

1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Cloves garlic (minced or pressed)
1 (28 oz.) Can tomato sauce
1 Tsp. granulated sugar (plus more to taste)
1 Tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning - all to taste

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan until butter is melted.
2. Add garlic and tomato sauce.
3. Stir in sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for about 15 minutes. 

4. Taste and adjust seasoning. 

It's time to get out your jerseys, turn on the game and enjoy!