Name: Upside Down Italian Deli Pizza
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided; 1/2 cup pepperoni; 1/2 cup jarred roasted red bell pepper strips, drained and patted dry; 4 oz. low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup); 6 (0.8-oz. each) provolone cheese slices; 1 can Red Gold Canned Crushed Tomatoes 15 oz; 1 lb. fresh pizza dough, at room temperature; All-purpose flour, for work surface; 1/4 cup drained and chopped store-bought giardiniera (mixed pickled vegetables)

Turn pizza night upside down with this crispy, cheesy Upside-Down Pizza. Layers of pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, and Red Gold Crushed Tomatoes are baked beneath a golden pizza crust, then finished with tangy giardiniera for a bold Chicago-inspired twist. Every slice delivers crispy edges, melty cheese, and rich tomato flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1/2 cup pepperoni
1/2 cup jarred roasted red bell pepper strips, drained and patted dry
4 oz. low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
6 (0.8-oz. each) provolone cheese slices
1 can Red Gold Canned Crushed Tomatoes 15 oz
1 lb. fresh pizza dough, at room temperature
All-purpose flour, for work surface
1/4 cup drained and chopped store-bought giardiniera (mixed pickled vegetables)

Instructions

Step one

Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush 1 tablespoon of the oil over a 12-inch carbon steel or cast-iron skillet. Arrange pepperoni in an even layer in bottom of skillet. Top with bell pepper strips. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top, then layer with provolone slices. Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over provolone.

Step two

Gently stretch or roll dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured work surface. Carefully place dough over crushed tomatoes, tucking in edges. Brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

Step three

Bake in preheated oven until pizza dough is browned, about 25 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes. Run a rubber spatula along edges of skillet. Place a large baking sheet on top, then quickly invert pizza onto pan. Return to oven and increase temperature to broil. Broil until pepperoni cups and crisps slightly, 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle with giardiniera. Slice and serve.