This classic pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser! With its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni slices, it’s hard to resist every bite.
Pizza night at my place always means extra toppings and laughter. Who can say no to the cheesy goodness? 🍕 I love how quick it is to make, especially with store-bought dough!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade or store-bought dough. If you’re short on time, ready-made dough is super convenient! You could also try a cauliflower crust for a gluten-free option.
Tomato Sauce: Pizza sauce is essential, but you can use marinara or even a simple crushed tomato blend. For a kick, try adding some garlic or herbs to regular tomato sauce!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is standard, but fresh mozzarella gives a deliciously creamy texture. If you want less fat, go for part-skim mozzarella.
Pepperoni: Classic choice, but you can use turkey pepperoni for a healthier option, or even skip it for a veggie pizza with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Olive Oil: Brushing the crust with olive oil adds flavor and helps it crisp up. You can also use melted butter for an alternative taste.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crust?
The crust is key to great pizza! To get it just right, follow these steps:
- Start with a gently floured surface and roll out your dough evenly, aiming for a thin crust in the center and slightly thicker edges for a nice rise.
- Let the rolled dough rest for about 10 minutes before adding toppings; this helps it relax and prevents shrinking.
- Preheat your oven thoroughly. A hot oven helps the crust puff up and gets that nice golden color.
- Don’t overcrowd with toppings; too many can make the crust soggy. Less is often more!
- Brush the crust edges with olive oil or butter for a golden finish.
Following these tips will help you create a deliciously crispy crust that everyone will love!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pizza Base:
- 1 batch pizza dough (about 12-14 inch round)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato pizza sauce
- For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- For Finishing Touch:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing crust)
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pizza takes around 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-14 minutes to bake, so you can have a delicious homemade pepperoni pizza ready in about 30-35 minutes—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up. This helps make the crust nice and crispy!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about a 12-inch round shape. Make sure the thickness is even all around for the best baking result.
3. Prepare the Pizza Base:
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or a baking sheet that is dusted with cornmeal or flour. This will help prevent sticking when you transfer it to the oven.
4. Add the Sauce:
Spread the tomato pizza sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust so it can rise and brown nicely.
5. Sprinkle Cheese:
Now it’s time to add 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, making sure to cover it evenly.
6. Arrange the Pepperoni:
Lay the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese, distributing them as you like. Don’t be shy with the pepperoni, it’s part of the pizza’s charm!
7. Add Seasoning:
If you like, sprinkle some dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the top for extra pizza flavor!
8. Brush the Crust:
Using a brush, lightly coat the crust edges with olive oil to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide your pizza into the preheated oven (or on the pizza stone if you are using one). Bake for 10-14 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice without burning your fingers!
11. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the pizza into 8 pieces, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious homemade pepperoni pizza with friends or family!
With a crispy crust, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni, this pepperoni pizza is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy your pizza night!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a convenient option that saves time. Just follow the package instructions for handling and baking to ensure the best results!
How Can I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
You can easily make this pizza vegetarian by omitting the pepperoni and replacing it with your favorite vegetables. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach for a delicious veggie-loaded pizza!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftover Pizza?
The best way to reheat pizza is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pizza slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through. This keeps the crust crispy!
Can I Freeze Unbaked Pizza?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza up to the baking point, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, you can cook it straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!