Pepperoni Pizza

This homemade pepperoni pizza recipe is about to change your pizza nights forever! Making your own pizza at home is not just fun, but it also lets you create something delicious and personalized. Imagine a crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and spicy pepperoni all baked to perfection. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be the star of pizza night. Let’s dive into this simple and tasty recipe that anyone can master!

Why This Recipe Works

This homemade pepperoni pizza recipe leverages the perfect balance of crispy crust, savory sauce, and melted cheese to deliver a truly delightful pizza experience. The high oven temperature and use of a preheated pizza stone create that authentic pizzeria-style crust that’s both crunchy and chewy. The method we use ensures that your pizza will turn out delicious every time, making it a great choice for pizza lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Pizza

Making your own pepperoni pizza at home means you can customize every aspect, from the thickness of the crust to the amount of toppings. It’s a quick recipe that can be on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family activity. Everyone can pitch in, making it not just a meal but an enjoyable experience. Plus, who doesn’t love pizza?

Ingredients

• 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, let rise for 2+ hours)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 sprigs fresh basil

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Preheat the Oven

First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheat a pizza stone in the oven to 475°F on the center rack. If you’re using a baking sheet instead, preheat the oven to the same temperature. This step is key to achieving that perfect crust.

Prepare Your Surface

Now, let’s prepare our work surface! Dust a large cutting board or flat surface with half of the flour. This helps to prevent the dough from sticking. Use the remaining flour to help stretch the dough later.

Stretch the Dough

Grab your pizza dough and place it on the floured surface. Flip it over so it’s coated in flour. Now, begin pinching the outer 1” of the dough in a circular motion to form the crust. This creates a nice edge! Then, alternate pressing the center of the dough and stretching it outward using the back of your knuckles. Dust with flour to help retain its size. It might take a little practice, but don’t worry; it will turn out great!

Transfer to the Pizza Stone

Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven. This is where you need to be careful! Brush half of the olive oil over it to prevent sticking. Now, place the stretched pizza dough on top. Brush the remaining olive oil on the outer edge of the crust. This will give your crust a beautiful golden finish!

Assembling the Pizza

Add the Sauce and Toppings

It’s time to get creative! Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, making sure to leave a 1” border for the crust. This will ensure that your pizza has a nice, crispy edge. Next, generously top it with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the pepperoni slices. Sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese on top as well. This adds that extra flavor that you’ll love.

Bake the Pizza

Now, it’s showtime! Carefully place the assembled pepperoni pizza on the preheated pizza stone. Bake it for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the crust is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering pizza smell.

Finishing Touches

Once it’s done baking, remove the pizza from the oven. Remember to be careful; it’s hot! Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This way, you won’t burn your mouth on that first piece!

Serving Suggestions

Now that your pepperoni pizza is ready, how will you serve it? You can enjoy it with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is also a popular choice, or maybe even a dipping sauce like marinara or ranch! Pair your pizza with a refreshing beverage like soda, iced tea, or even a cold beer. It’s the perfect way to enjoy your homemade meal!

Tips for Success

• Preheat your pizza stone: This is crucial for achieving the best crust possible. A hot stone helps to cook the bottom of the pizza quickly.
• Don’t overload the toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on everything you love, too many toppings can lead to a soggy pizza. Stick to a good balance.
• Use a pizza peel or flat surface: To transfer your pizza easily to the stone, use a pizza peel or a flat surface. This will make your life much easier!

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie-packed pizza! You can also experiment with different cheeses. Provolone or gouda can add unique flavors that are delightful. If you’re looking to switch it up, substitute the pepperoni with sausage, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a convenient option and works perfectly for this recipe. It saves time and effort.

What can I use instead of a pizza stone?
A baking sheet works too! Just make sure to preheat it as well for the best results.

How do I store leftover pizza?
Wrap leftover pizza slices in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I freeze the pizza dough?
Yes, you can freeze pizza dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

Learning how to make your own pepperoni pizza not only enhances your cooking skills but also allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade flavors at home. It’s a fun activity that can bring family and friends together. So, give this recipe a try and impress everyone with your culinary prowess! You’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is to create your own delicious homemade pepperoni pizza. Enjoy!

More Easy Dinner Recipes:

• French bread pizza
• Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Cheeseburger Bites
• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pepperoni Pizza

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This homemade pepperoni pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza night. Customize it to your liking with fresh ingredients and enjoy a crispy crust.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, let rise for 2+ hours)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 sprigs fresh basil

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 475°F with the pizza stone inside.
• Dust a surface with flour and stretch the pizza dough.
• Transfer the stretched dough to the preheated pizza stone, brushing with olive oil.
• Spread pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
• Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and half the parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden.
• Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and fresh basil before slicing.

Notes

Preheat your pizza stone for the best crust.
Avoid overloading toppings to prevent sogginess.
Use a pizza peel for easy transfer to the stone.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 650
• Fat: 15
• Saturated Fat: 7
• Unsaturated Fat: 6
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 30
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 12
• Cholesterol: 30