Description
Unleash your inner pizzaiolo with this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza recipe. From crafting the dough to layering tangy sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly spiced pepperoni, this guide will help you create a pizza that’s crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. A guaranteed hit for pizza night!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 6 oz tomato sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
For the Pizza
- Prepared dough
- 2 oz pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup pepperoni slices
- ⅛ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 sprig fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, grated garlic, salt, dried basil, and oregano.
- Let Rest: Allow the sauce to sit for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Preheat the Oven
- Set the Heat: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a baking steel or pizza stone on the middle rack for at least 1 hour.
4. Shape the Dough
- Divide and Stretch: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it into portions if making multiple pizzas.
- Form a Circle: Stretch each portion into a round, approximately 10-12 inches in diameter, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
5. Assemble the Pizza
- Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Layer Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, then arrange pepperoni slices on top. Finish with grated Parmesan.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Transfer to Oven: Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to slide the pizza onto the preheated baking steel or stone.
- Bake: Cook for 6-8 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Add Final Touches
- Garnish: Chiffonade fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the hot pizza.
- Serve: Slice and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (active) + 1-1.5 hours (dough rise)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian