This classic pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser! With a crispy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices, it’s pure comfort food.
Who doesn’t love the cheesy pull when you take a slice? Whenever I make it, I always sneak a piece while it’s still hot—can you blame me? 🍕
I enjoy adding a sprinkle of extra cheese just because! It’s easy to make and great for sharing with friends or just enjoying on a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough is fantastic! Gluten-free dough is a great option for those with dietary needs.
Tomato Pizza Sauce: For a quick swap, marinara or spaghetti sauce works in a pinch. If you prefer a fresher taste, try crushing whole tomatoes and seasoning them with salt and oregano.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella offers a delightful texture. If you want something different, try provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra flavor.
Pepperoni: Beyond regular pepperoni, you can use turkey pepperoni, spicy soppressata, or even plant-based pepperoni if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Brushing the crust with oil adds flavor and helps it brown nicely. If unavailable, melted butter works well too!
How Can You Get a Perfectly Cooked Pizza Crust?
To achieve that perfect crust, it’s important to preheat your oven and use a pizza stone if you have one. This allows for even heat distribution.
- Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high heat helps the crust get nice and crispy.
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats to create a perfect baking surface.
- Use cornmeal or flour on your pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Make sure to stretch the dough evenly and don’t add too much sauce or cheese, which can make the crust soggy.
Following these steps will give you a pizza with a wonderfully crisp crust! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (roughly 12 inches in diameter)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing the crust)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional garnish)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pepperoni pizza takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 to 12 minutes to bake. With a total time of around 30 minutes, you’ll be enjoying fresh pizza in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven now so it gets nice and hot while you prepare the pizza.
2. Prepare Your Baking Surface:
Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour to prevent the pizza from sticking. This makes it easier to transfer your pizza into the oven.
3. Shape the Pizza Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out or stretch the pizza dough into a circle that’s about 12 inches wide. Make sure it’s even so it cooks uniformly!
4. Get Your Pizza Ready:
Carefully transfer the shaped dough to your prepared peel or baking sheet. It should lay flat and be ready for toppings.
5. Add the Tomato Sauce:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch from the edge for the crust. This part is often the star flavor of the pizza!
6. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Feel free to pile it on for a cheesier pizza!
7. Top with Pepperoni:
Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the top of the cheese. You can add more or less, depending on your love for pepperoni!
8. Brush the Crust (Optional):
If you’d like a nice golden crust, brush the exposed edges of the dough with olive oil before baking.
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the pepperoni are slightly crisp.
10. Season & Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with dried oregano or Italian seasoning, if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your classic, crispy pepperoni pizza with melted cheese and perfectly cooked pepperoni! 🍕
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great option that saves time. Just follow the package instructions for best results. You can go for whole wheat or gluten-free options too!
What Can I Use Instead of Tomato Pizza Sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara sauce works perfectly. You could also blend canned tomatoes with some herbs and spices for a quick homemade version!
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or use the microwave for a quicker option.
Can I Freeze the Pizza Before Baking?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza and freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time while it’s still frozen.
