This classic pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser! Topped with gooey cheese and spicy slices of pepperoni, it’s perfect for a cozy night in or a party with friends.
Honestly, who can resist a hot slice? I love making it at home because the smell of baking pizza fills the house. It’s always a hit! 🍕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can make your own dough or buy pre-made. If you’re short on time, store-bought is great! Look for whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed.
Pizza Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce works best. For a twist, you could use BBQ sauce or pesto for different flavors!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that stretchy texture. For a bolder flavor, consider mixing in provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Pepperoni: Traditional slices are fantastic. If you’re vegetarian, try using mushrooms or bell peppers for a different, yet delicious topping!
Olive Oil: Brushing the crust with olive oil enhances the flavor. Feel free to use garlic-infused oil for an extra kick!
How Do I Roll Out the Perfect Pizza Dough?
Getting the dough just right can be tricky! Start with a floured surface to keep it from sticking. Don’t rush this step—take your time and enjoy it!
- Shape the dough into a ball and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes; it makes rolling easier.
- Gently press the dough with your fingertips, then use a rolling pin to extend it into a circle, about 12 inches.
- To get a nice edge for your crust, keep the edges slightly thicker as you roll out the center.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of creating that perfect pizza base!
Delicious Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pizza:
- 1 batch pizza dough (about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (tomato-based)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty pepperoni pizza will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, so plan for approximately 30 minutes total from start to finish. A quick and delicious meal you can whip up in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it heats up nicely!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Make sure to leave a slightly thicker edge for the crust. This will give it that perfect pizza shape!
3. Set Up the Pizza Base:
Carefully transfer your rolled-out dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel that’s been dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.
4. Add the Pizza Sauce:
Spoon the pizza sauce onto the dough and spread it evenly, leaving about 1/2 inch of space around the edges to form the crust!
5. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Get creative with how cheesy you want it!
6. Add the Pepperoni:
Lay the slices of pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese, making sure every bite will have some yummy flavor!
7. Season the Pizza:
Sprinkle the dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the top for that extra burst of flavor.
8. Brush the Crust:
For a beautiful golden crust, brush the edges lightly with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps it crisp up nicely!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper, if using) onto your hot pizza stone or a baking sheet in the oven.
10. Time to Bake:
Bake your pizza for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
11. Let It Cool:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes slicing easier and helps you avoid burning your tongue!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Optional: Before serving, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top if you like a bit of spice. Slice up your delicious homemade pepperoni pizza, serve it up, and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Happy pizza making!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option and can save you time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling out and baking, and you’ll have a delicious pizza in no time!
How Do I Reheat Leftover Pizza?
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and place the slices directly on the rack for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy! You can also use a skillet on low heat with a lid to warm it up while keeping the crust crunchy.
What If I Don’t Have a Pizza Stone?
No worries! If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a baking sheet placed upside down in the oven to mimic the effect. Preheat the baking sheet along with the oven, then carefully transfer your pizza onto it for baking.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or olives, or even try different meats. Just keep in mind that wetter toppings may need to be pre-cooked to avoid sogginess.