This classic pepperoni pizza is a family favorite! With crispy crust, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices, it’s hard to resist a hot slice fresh out of the oven.
Nothing beats the smell of pizza baking! I love enjoying it with friends on movie nights—just grab a slice and relax! 🍕 It’s a simple treat that always makes me smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: A basic dough is great, but if you want a quicker option, store-bought dough works well too. I lean towards whole wheat dough for a healthier twist!
Tomato Sauce: Use a pizza sauce or simple marinara. If you’re in a pinch, crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs can do the trick. Fresh pesto offers a unique flavor, too!
Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is classic for its meltiness. You can substitute with provolone or a blend of cheeses for a different taste. I often mix in some cheddar for a sharper flavor!
Pepperoni: Traditional choice, but feel free to swap with turkey pepperoni for a lighter option. Sliced veggies or mushrooms add great flavors if you’re looking for a veggie twist.
How Do I Get the Perfect Pizza Crust?
Getting the crust just right can be tricky, but it’s all about temperature and technique! Follow these steps to achieve a fantastic crust:
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C). A hot oven sets the crust perfectly.
- Roll out your dough gently to avoid tough crust. Let it rest if it springs back.
- Use a pizza peel for easy transfer. Sprinkle some cornmeal to prevent sticking.
- Brush the edges with olive oil after adding toppings. This will help them turn golden brown.
- Keep an eye on it while baking. A few minutes too long can change everything!
Enjoy the crispiness and great aroma of a perfect homemade pizza!
Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pepperoni pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to bake. Overall, you can have a delicious homemade pizza ready in less than 30 minutes!
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 to heat up with it. This will help create a crispy crust!
2. Prepare the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough until it’s about 12 inches in diameter, making the edges slightly thicker for a nice crust. If the dough springs back, let it rest for a few minutes.
3. Transfer to the Baking Surface:
Carefully move the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges to allow for the crust to puff up as it bakes.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Don’t be shy—cheese makes it delicious!
6. Arrange the Pepperoni:
Now it’s time to add the pepperoni! Place the slices evenly over the cheesy goodness to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
7. Brush the Crust:
Using a brush or your fingers, lightly brush the edges of the exposed crust with olive oil. This will help it turn golden and crispy when baking.
8. Season the Pizza:
Sprinkle some dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the pizza and add a pinch of salt to bring out all the flavors.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or place the baking sheet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes.
10. Cool and Garnish:
Once the crust is crispy and golden, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browning, remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes.
11. Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil on top for added flavor and color.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice the pizza into wedges, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious homemade pepperoni pizza! It’s perfect for sharing, or you can keep it all to yourself!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough can save you time and effort. Just follow the instructions on the package for best results, and make sure it’s room temperature for easier rolling.
How Can I Make This Pizza Spicier?
If you love spice, try adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top of the pepperoni. You can also use spicy pepperoni or a hot pizza sauce to amp up the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Place any leftover pizza slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a quick reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pizza up to the point of baking, then cover it and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking. This way, you can enjoy fresh pizza with minimal effort!
