Classic Homemade Pepperoni Pizza is a timeless favorite featuring a crispy yet chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni slices. This homemade version rivals any pizzeria, offering a fresh and flavorful experience right from your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients create an authentic pizzeria-style pizza
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and seasonings
- The homemade dough ensures a perfectly crispy and chewy crust
- Great for family pizza nights or gatherings
- Budget-friendly and healthier than takeout
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Olive oil
- Sugar
- Salt
For the Pizza Sauce:
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pizza:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or oregano (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, then add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside to preheat.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a large circle, slightly larger than your pizza pan.
- Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the dough onto a pizza pan or stone. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously, then evenly distribute the pepperoni slices.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Extra Cheese: Add cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a richer flavor.
- Meat Lovers: Include sausage, ham, or bacon along with the pepperoni.
- Veggie Option: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives.
- Spicy Kick: Use spicy pepperoni and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
- BBQ Pizza: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add grilled chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust.
- Microwave: Heat for 30-45 seconds, though the crust may soften.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough works well if you’re short on time.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
Preheat a pizza stone, roll the dough thin, and bake at a high temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for later use.
What’s the best type of cheese for this pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you can mix in provolone or parmesan for extra flavor.
How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings, and avoid too much sauce.
Can I use a cast-iron skillet to bake the pizza?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet helps create a crispy, golden crust.
How do I make this pizza healthier?
Use whole wheat flour for the dough and add more veggies as toppings.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe or a store-bought gluten-free crust.
What can I use instead of pepperoni?
Try turkey pepperoni, prosciutto, grilled chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
How do I reheat pizza without drying it out?
Reheat in the oven with a little water on a baking sheet to keep it from drying out.
Conclusion
Classic Homemade Pepperoni Pizza is the perfect blend of crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni. Whether for a family dinner, weekend treat, or special gathering, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser. Try different variations and enjoy the satisfaction of making your own delicious pizza at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A crispy, cheesy, and flavorful homemade pepperoni pizza with fresh basil.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 12 pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over it.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni evenly over the sauce.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and slice into 1-inch rolls.
- Place on a greased baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Serve with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping.
- Use store-bought crescent roll dough for a softer texture.
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