Pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite that’s loved around the world for its bold flavors and satisfying combination of savory, cheesy, and spicy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family night, a special occasion, or simply a weekend treat, this easy-to-follow recipe will ensure your homemade pepperoni pizza is just as delicious as your favorite pizzeria’s. With fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors, this recipe will surely become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step activates the yeast.
- Mix the Dough: Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough starts coming together, then knead it for 5-7 minutes on a lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, which will help achieve a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference or the shape of your baking sheet. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch.
- Assemble the Pizza: Transfer the dough to a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Add the Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the pizza, making sure each slice of cheese is covered by at least one slice of pepperoni for maximum flavor.
- Season and Bake: If you like extra flavor, sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes over the top of the pizza. Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. For an added touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing.
- Enjoy: Slice your homemade pepperoni pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy with your favorite drink and savor the cheesy, spicy goodness!
Pepperoni pizza is a comfort food staple, combining the irresistible allure of crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfectly seasoned pepperoni. Whether it’s for a casual family meal or a special treat, this recipe delivers a pizza that’s simple to make but full of flavor. You can customize it further by adding other toppings like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers, but the classic pepperoni pizza will always remain a timeless favorite.