Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
5. Step 5: Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes shiny and smooth.
6. Step 6: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Step 7: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
8. Step 8: Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
9. Step 9: Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
10. Step 10: Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
11. Step 11: Top the sauce with the cooked sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, mozzarella cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
12. Step 12: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.