This classic pepperoni pizza is a crowd-pleaser with its gooey cheese and spicy slices of pepperoni on a crispy crust. You just can’t go wrong with this combo!
Seriously, it’s hard to resist a slice (or three)! I love pairing it with a nice salad, but let’s face it, pizza is perfect all on its own! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for making the dough rise. If you can’t find it, instant yeast works too; just mix it directly with the flour.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for a classic pizza crust. For a healthier option, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.
Olive Oil: Adds flavor and moisture to the crust. If you’re out, vegetable oil or melted butter can be good substitutes.
Pepperoni: This gives the pizza its signature taste. You can swap it for turkey pepperoni for a leaner option or try veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but you could mix in provolone or even a dash of cheddar for an extra kick!
How Do You Make the Dough Perfectly?
Kneading the dough leads to a great pizza base. It’s a hands-on job, but worth it! Always knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Here’s how:
- Flour your surface to prevent sticking.
- Punch the dough down after it rises to remove excess air.
- Use the heel of your hand to push the dough out and fold over itself; repeat for 7-10 minutes.
- Consider adding a little more flour if it’s too sticky, but be careful not to make it too dry!
This technique helps develop gluten, giving your pizza that chewy, satisfying texture!
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup tomato sauce (pizza or marinara sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 25-30 slices of pepperoni
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: dried oregano or red pepper flakes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 2 hours for preparation and rising time, plus about 15 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 15 minutes from start to scrumptious pepperoni pizza!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it gets frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Then add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir everything together until it forms a nice dough.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 7-10 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic—this will give your pizza a great texture!
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or some plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. Patience pays off here!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, go ahead and preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
6. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. On a floured surface, roll it out into a roughly 12-inch circle. Move the dough to a greased pizza pan or a parchment-lined peel, depending on your setup.
7. Add the Sauce:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge for the crust. This ensures a delicious crust to hold everything!
8. Cheese It Up:
Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. You can never have too much cheese, right?
9. Top with Pepperoni:
Evenly arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese. Feel free to add as many as you like for that spicy kick!
10. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for a golden crust and bubbly, melted cheese, with the edges of the pepperoni just starting to crisp up.
11. Finish & Garnish:
Once done, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Optionally, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes on top for an extra layer of flavor.
12. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it up and enjoy your delicious homemade pepperoni pizza!
Bon Appétit! Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, spicy pepperoni pizza! 🍕
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the water slightly, as whole wheat flour can absorb more moisture. Start with the same amount of water and add a little more if necessary.
What Can I Substitute for Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast instead. Use the same amount, and there’s no need to activate it in water—just mix it directly with your dry ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the crust crispy!
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Absolutely! After the dough has risen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight before rolling it out!
