Creating the Ultimate Gourmet Pizza for Cozy Nights is a breeze when you follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 20-30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
5. Shape the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Add Toppings: Arrange pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms over the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Bake: Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the hot pizza stone). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
9. Garnish: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with olive oil and top with fresh basil leaves.
10. Slice and Serve: Cut the pizza into slices and serve warm.

These straightforward steps will guide you to create a mouthwatering Ultimate Gourmet Pizza that’s sure to impress everyone around the table!