Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite that combines a crispy, golden crust with savory toppings for a delicious and satisfying meal.

This recipe gives you everything you love about traditional pepperoni pizza, from the chewy, homemade dough to the rich pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and generous slices of pepperoni.

Whether baked in a conventional oven, grilled, or cooked in a pizza oven, this recipe is sure to deliver a flavorful, crispy pizza with a perfect balance of textures. It’s an easy, fun way to enjoy pizza night at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Pepperoni Pizza recipe because it delivers all the classic flavors of a traditional pizza but with the satisfaction of homemade dough.

The recipe is incredibly versatile—whether you’re cooking in the oven, grilling, or using a pizza stone, it allows you to customize your crust and toppings for the perfect pizza experience.

The combination of a golden, chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and perfectly crispy pepperoni is sure to please everyone at the table.

Plus, it’s simple to make, making it a great option for a fun, homemade meal that rivals your favorite pizzeria!

Key Ingredients:

Pizza Dough: Active dry yeast, warm water, olive oil, salt, white vinegar, and bread flour (or all-purpose flour) form the base for a soft, chewy, and flavorful dough.

Pizza Sauce: A good-quality tomato pizza sauce or homemade sauce that adds a tangy, savory layer to your pizza.

Pepperoni: Sliced pepperoni, which crisps up beautifully when baked, providing that signature salty and spicy flavor.

Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, gooey topping and freshly grated parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty finish.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning adds an aromatic herby note that complements the cheese and sauce perfectly.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)

1 tsp sugar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 tsp salt

For the pizza sauce:

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the pizza toppings:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 1/2 cups sliced pepperoni (or more, to taste)

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic powder and onion powder, and sauté for 1 minute.

Add the tomato sauce, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Roll the Dough

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness (usually about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza).

Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone that’s been lightly dusted with flour or cornmeal.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Layer the sliced pepperoni evenly on top of the cheese.

Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the pizza for a spicy kick.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

If using, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

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Step 6: Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza!

Tips:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight for a more flavorful crust.

Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it for a crispier crust. Preheat the stone in the oven before placing the pizza on it.

Toppings: Customize your pizza with additional toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or onions.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade pepperoni pizza!

Notes:

Dough Variations: If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different. Bread flour gives the dough a chewier, more elastic texture due to its higher gluten content.

Resting the Dough: Be sure to let the dough rise properly. A warm environment is key for yeast activation. If your kitchen is cold, you can place the dough in an oven with the light on or near a warm stove to help it rise.

Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, it helps achieve a crispier crust. Preheat the stone in the oven at 450°F for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza for the best results.

Topping Variations: While pepperoni is classic, feel free to customize the pizza with your favorite toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, olives, mushrooms, or sausage.

Grilling Method: If you’re using a grill, be cautious when flipping the dough onto the grill. You can use parchment paper to help transfer it. Also, be sure to cook the pizza over indirect heat to prevent burning.

Extra Crispy Crust: If you prefer a crunchier crust, brush the dough with olive oil before pre-baking and sprinkle a little cornmeal on the pan or pizza stone for added texture.

Make-Ahead Option: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before rolling it out to bake.

Serving: This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a chilled bottle of your favorite soda or wine for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour.

Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps the dough rise better and gives it a chewier texture.

However, using all-purpose flour will still yield a tasty pizza with a slightly softer crust.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, you can use store-bought pizza dough.

Just make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, and roll it out to your desired thickness.

It may slightly alter the texture, but it will still taste great.

How can I make the pizza crust crispier?

To achieve a crispier crust, preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.

When the dough is ready, slide it onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.

This helps the bottom cook more quickly and crisps up nicely.

You can also brush the crust with a little olive oil before baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can! While mozzarella is classic for pizza, you can experiment with different cheeses.

Try using provolone, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Just keep in mind that mozzarella melts well and gives that signature stretchy cheese pull.

How can I make the pizza less greasy?

To reduce grease, use less pepperoni or opt for a leaner version, such as turkey pepperoni.

You can also pat the pepperoni slices with a paper towel before adding them to the pizza to absorb excess oil.

Additionally, using a reduced-fat mozzarella or part-skim cheese can help lower the overall fat content.

How do I know when the pizza dough is ready to rise?

The pizza dough is ready when it has doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on room temperature.

You can test if it’s ready by gently pressing your finger into the dough. If the indentation remains, the dough has risen enough.

If it springs back, it needs more time.

Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

After you knead the dough, cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Should I pre-bake the pizza dough before adding toppings?

Pre-baking the dough for a few minutes helps prevent the crust from getting soggy from the sauce and toppings.

For a crispier crust, bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding your sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Then return it to the oven to finish baking.

How can I make sure the pizza doesn’t stick to the pizza stone or baking sheet?

To prevent sticking, dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal or flour before placing the rolled-out dough on it.

This creates a barrier that allows the pizza to slide off easily into the oven.

If you’re using a baking sheet, you can also line it with parchment paper.

How can I make the pepperoni pizza spicy?

If you prefer a spicier pizza, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce on top before baking.

You can also use spicy pepperoni, or even add some fresh jalapeños or chili peppers to the pizza for extra heat.