Step 1

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, cornmeal, yeast, sugar and salt and give it a quick whisk. Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter and add it, along with the warm water, to the dry ingredients. Leave the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter on the counter to soften.

Step 2

Mix on low speed for 1 to 2 minutes, until the dough starts to come together, then knead for 4 to 5 minutes on medium speed, until the dough is smooth.

Step 3

Drizzle a little olive oil into a large, clean bowl, then transfer the dough to the bowl and give it a turn to coat it in the oil so it doesn't dry out. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until nearly doubled in size.

Step 4

When the dough has risen, roll it into a 15x12-inch rectangle on a clean work surface using a rolling pin. Spread the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter evenly over the dough.

Step 5

Roll the dough into a tight cylinder and pinch the edges together. With the seam side down, flatten the dough into an 18x4-inch rectangle, then slice it in half crosswise with a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Fold each portion of the dough over itself into thirds, then pinch the seams together to shape into two balls.

Step 6

Return the balls of dough to the oiled bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap again, and allow to rise in the refrigerator for another 45 minutes, until almost doubled in size again.

Step 7

In a heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, salt, pepper and sugar and stir to combine. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened and reduced to about 2 1/2 cups.

Step 9

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil and olive oil. Season with additional salt & pepper, to taste.

Step 10

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Divide 4 tablespoons of olive oil between two 9-inch cake pans, coating the bottoms and sides well.

Step 11

Roll out each ball of dough on a lightly floured surface. They should make roughly 13-inch discs about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 12

Transfer the pizza dough to the prepared cake pans, lightly pressing it into the corners and up the sides.

Step 13

Fill each pizza crust with 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella, then add any additional toppings like sausage or vegetables, if you want. Finish each pizza with 1 1/4 cups of the pizza sauce spread over the cheese layer and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Step 14

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the pizzas to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.