Pepperoni Pizza

There’s something truly magical about making a homemade Pepperoni Pizza. I remember the first time I attempted this classic dish; the kitchen was filled with the inviting aroma of baking dough and melting cheese. It felt like a celebration in every bite, and I was hooked. Each time I roll out the dough, I’m reminded of the joy of crafting something from scratch. The thrill of pulling that hot, cheesy pizza out of the oven is incomparable. Whether it’s a Friday night tradition or a spontaneous weekend project, making Pepperoni Pizza brings everyone together around the table, sharing laughter and good times.

Pepperoni Pizza Ingredients

Every great dish starts with quality ingredients. The magic of Pepperoni Pizza lies in the harmony of flavors and textures brought together by simple yet essential components. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the rich and hearty pizza sauce to the stringy, melty mozzarella cheese. It’s a celebration of Italian culinary tradition, and when combined, they create a pizza that’s not just a meal, but an experience.

• 1 cup warm water (aim for 107-110° F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups bread flour (give or take 1/2 cup, depending on the heat & humidity)
• 14 oz pizza sauce (1 3/4 cups – half jar per pizza)
• 4 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• 70 slices pepperoni (35 per pizza, I used Hormel brand 6 oz package; the amount used depends on how loaded you like your pizza)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing crust, optional)

How to Assemble Pepperoni Pizza

Assembling a Pepperoni Pizza is a joyous experience. You’ll watch your efforts transform into a mouthwatering dish that promises satisfaction. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to pizza perfection!

1. In a large mixing bowl, preferably that of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir yeast and honey into warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until bubbles form and the mixture starts to foam. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready.
2. Pour in salt, olive oil, and half of the flour. Mix until well combined. The dough should start to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour bit by bit, mixing until the dough reaches a slightly tacky consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
3. Once you achieve the desired consistency, knead the dough on low for about 6 minutes. The dough should become smooth and easy to work with, and the mixing bowl should be mostly clean of any dough.
4. Lightly grease the bowl and the dough to prevent drying out, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 475° F with a pizza stone inside. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use an upside-down cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 equal portions using a pastry cutter or sharp knife.
7. On a floured surface, gently stretch each dough ball into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer each dough to your prepared pan.
8. With caution, remove the hot pizza stone from the oven and transfer the dough onto the stone, repositioning it to maintain its shape, creating a small edge around the outside to hold the toppings.
9. Spread about 3/4 cup of pizza sauce evenly over each crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
10. Sprinkle 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese over each pizza and add the pepperoni slices on top.
11. Optionally, brush the exposed crust with olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
12. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Creating the perfect Pepperoni Pizza isn’t just an art; it’s a science! Follow these expert tips to elevate your pizza-making game.

• Storage: To store leftovers, place slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375° F for about 8 minutes to restore its crispy goodness.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw dough portions in freezer bags. Thaw them on the counter for 6 to 8 hours before baking. This makes future pizza nights a breeze!
• Make Ahead Dough: If you want to prepare ahead of time, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before using. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching.
• Pairing: Serve your Pepperoni Pizza with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Crust Variations: Consider adding herbs or spices to your crust for an extra burst of flavor.
• Oven Settings: If you’re not getting the desired crispiness, try baking at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

Perfect Pairings for Pepperoni Pizza

When it comes to serving Pepperoni Pizza, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful ideas to complement your pizza experience:

• Salads: Pair your pizza with a fresh green salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a satisfying accompaniment.
• Seasonal Sides: Consider seasonal vegetables or a ratatouille during summer for a lighter option.
• Game Nights: This pizza is perfect for game nights, easily shared among friends with various toppings.
• Leftovers: For a casual lunch, bring leftover pizza to work. It’s easy to reheat and still delicious!
• Weekend Treat: Enjoy your Pepperoni Pizza as a part of a cozy weekend dinner, paired with a movie or board games.

FAQ

Conclusion

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza is truly a labor of love that brings joy to every meal. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a pizza that’s bursting with flavor and has the perfect crispy crust. I encourage you to try making this dish at home; it’s a fun activity that can easily become a family tradition. So, roll up your sleeves, call your loved ones, and indulge in a delightful pizza night!

Pepperoni Pizza

The ultimate comfort food! This Pepperoni Pizza features a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni slices. Perfect for a fun family meal or a casual get-together, it’s easy to make from scratch. Treat yourself to a delicious slice tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Pizza Stone

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup water aim for 107-110° F
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cups bread flour give or take 1/2 cup, depending on the heat & humidity
• 14 oz pizza sauce (1 3/4 cups – half jar per pizza)
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese freshly grated
• 70 slices pepperoni (35 per pizza, I used Hormel brand 6 oz package; the amount used depends on how loaded you like your pizza)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing crust, optional)

Instructions

 

• In a large mixing bowl, preferably that of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, stir yeast and honey into warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes or until bubbles form and the mixture starts to foam. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready.
• Pour in salt, olive oil, and half of the flour. Mix until well combined. The dough should start to come together. Gradually add the remaining flour bit by bit, mixing until the dough reaches a slightly tacky consistency that doesn’t stick to your hands.
• Once you achieve the desired consistency, knead the dough on low for about 6 minutes. The dough should become smooth and easy to work with, and the mixing bowl should be mostly clean of any dough.
• Lightly grease the bowl and the dough to prevent drying out, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
• Preheat your oven to 475° F with a pizza stone inside. If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use an upside-down cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Once the dough has risen, divide it into 2 equal portions using a pastry cutter or sharp knife.
• On a floured surface, gently stretch each dough ball into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer each dough to your prepared pan.
• With caution, remove the hot pizza stone from the oven and transfer the dough onto the stone, repositioning it to maintain its shape, creating a small edge around the outside to hold the toppings.
• Spread about 3/4 cup of pizza sauce evenly over each crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
• Sprinkle 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese over each pizza and add the pepperoni slices on top.
• Optionally, brush the exposed crust with olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
• Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve.

Notes

• Storage: To store leftovers, place slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375° F for about 8 minutes to restore its crispy goodness.
• Freezing: You can freeze raw dough portions in freezer bags. Thaw them on the counter for 6 to 8 hours before baking. This makes future pizza nights a breeze!
• Make Ahead Dough: If you want to prepare ahead of time, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before using. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before stretching.
• Pairing: Serve your Pepperoni Pizza with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Crust Variations: Consider adding herbs or spices to your crust for an extra burst of flavor.
• Oven Settings: If you're not getting the desired crispiness, try baking at a higher temperature for a shorter time.

Keyword Easy Pizza Recipe, Homemade Pizza, Italian Pizza, Pepperoni Pizza