When it comes to classic comfort food, Pepperoni Pizza is a timeless favorite. This delicious creation features a crispy crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and slices of savory pepperoni. Perfect for any pizza night, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Pepperoni Pizza
Why This Pepperoni Pizza Is the Best
- Crispy and Chewy Crust: The crust is perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, providing the ideal base for the toppings.
- Tangy Tomato Sauce: The tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, made from ripe tomatoes and a blend of Italian herbs and spices.
- Melted Cheese: A generous layer of mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that’s hard to resist.
- Savory Pepperoni: The pepperoni slices add a deliciously savory and slightly spicy flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Ingredient Notes:
Pizza Dough:
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become light and airy.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps create a soft dough.
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and makes the dough smooth and pliable.
- Bread flour: Provides structure, making the dough chewy and stretchy.
Pizza Sauce:
- Tomato sauce: Base for the pizza sauce, adding the primary tomato flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Fresh oregano and basil: Add fresh herbaceous flavors that complement the tomatoes.
- Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic element to the sauce.
Toppings:
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the pizza its gooey texture.
- Pepperoni: Provides a salty, spicy flavor that’s the star of the topping.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and enhances the cheese layer.
Serving Suggestions
- Straight from the Oven: Pepperoni pizza is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven. The cheese is melty, and the crust is perfectly crispy.
- With a Side Salad: Pair this pizza with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. A simple vinaigrette dressing works well.
- For Pizza Night or Gatherings: This pizza is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s easy to make in large quantities and always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Look for high-quality pepperoni, cheese, and fresh herbs for the best results.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza. A hot oven ensures a crispy crust and evenly melted cheese.
- Bake on a Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat.
A Must Try
Nothing quite like the smell of Pepperoni Pizza baking in the oven. This Pepperoni Pizza is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Crispy, cheesy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Alfredo Pizza
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Macaroni Salad
Pepperoni Pizza
Whenever you're in the mood for a classic comfort food, this Pepperoni Pizza delivers with its crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices. It's a timeless favorite that's perfect for a casual night in or sharing with friends and family!
Ingredients
Pizza Dough (yields for 2 13-inch pizzas)
- 2 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water 110 degrees, divided
- 3 Tablespoon olive oil plus more for brushing
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3 1/2 - 4 cups bread flour
Pizza Sauce (yields for 3 large pizzas)
- 2 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon honey
- 2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or 3/4 teaspoon fresh
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Topping (yields for 1 13-inch pizza)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 8 oz
- 1/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese 1 oz
- 20 slices pepperoni suggest turkey, it's just as good as the regular
- 2 Tablespoon fresh oregano chopped if using larger leaves
- Red pepper flakes for serving optional
Instructions
For the pizza dough:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the yeast, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and ½ cup of warm water until the yeast dissolves. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 cup of warm water, olive oil, salt, and vinegar. Using the whisk attachment on low speed, gradually mix in 1 ¾ cups of flour until combined.
- Switch to the dough hook, then slowly add the remaining 1 ¾ cups of flour. Knead the dough on medium-low speed for 7 minutes, adding up to ½ cup more flour if needed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky (but shouldn't stick to your fingertip when touched).
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size.
For the pizza sauce:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Let the mixture rest for about 30 minutes (while the dough rises) to allow the flavors to blend together.
To assemble pizza:
- Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat it to 450°F (230°C). While the oven heats, assemble the pizza.
- Punch down the pizza dough. Divide it into two 16-ounce portions (freeze one for later or make two pizzas now).
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a pizza peel and lightly dust it with flour. Shape the dough into a 13-inch circle on the parchment paper, leaving a slightly thicker rim around the edge.
- Use a fork to poke the dough all over, being careful not to pierce it all the way through.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with 1 minced garlic clove. Brush this mixture over the dough, including the edges.
- Spread around 2/3 cup of pizza sauce evenly on the dough, leaving the rim uncovered.
- Add the cheese and any toppings like pepperoni (if using turkey pepperoni, add it halfway through baking).
- Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 15 minutes, until the crust is golden.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with oregano and optional red pepper flakes. Slice and serve.
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Pepperoni Pizza