This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza features a crisp-yet-chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and perfectly curled pepperoni slices enhanced with fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade pizza offers superior texture and flavor compared to store-bought options. The crust bakes beautifully, the toppings are customizable, and the process is surprisingly simple and rewarding.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- pizza dough
- pizza sauce
- mozzarella cheese
- pepperoni
- olive oil
- fresh basil
Directions
- Preheat oven to its highest setting (usually 475–500°F / 245–260°C).
- Stretch or roll dough into a circle.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly.
- Add mozzarella and pepperoni.
- Brush crust with olive oil.
- Bake until cheese bubbles and crust browns.
- Top with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
Serves 2–4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Add mushrooms, olives, or onions.
- Use fresh mozzarella for richer texture.
- Add chili oil for spice.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, it works very well.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Preheat a pizza stone or bake on a steel.
Should pepperoni be under or over cheese?
Over the cheese for proper crisping.
Can I freeze the pizza?
Yes, freeze fully assembled before baking.
Why is my dough tough?
Overworking dough or insufficient rise time.
Can I use bread flour?
Yes, it produces a chewier crust.
Should I bake on parchment?
Yes, it helps prevent sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Easily, just prepare additional dough and toppings.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough.
How do I stop soggy pizza?
Use less sauce and bake at a high temperature.
Conclusion
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients. Its crisp crust and melty toppings make it a reliable favorite for any meal.
Print
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
- Prep Time: 1 hr 20 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 32 mins
- Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza features a crisp, chewy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–25 slices pepperoni (halal if needed)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth, about 5–7 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Punch down the dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle.
- Transfer the dough to parchment paper and spread pizza sauce over it.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly and top with pepperoni slices.
- Season with oregano and garlic powder.
- Slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the hot stone or sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool slightly, garnish with basil if desired, slice, and serve.
Notes
- Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier crust.
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Halal beef pepperoni can be used to meet dietary restrictions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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