A Classic Pepperoni Pizza is a timeless favorite, loved for its crispy crust, melty cheese, and flavorful pepperoni topping. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for making a homemade pepperoni pizza from scratch:
Classic Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
For the pizza:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella for the best melt)
- 1 ½ cups sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the crust)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for seasoning)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes foamy. This activates the yeast.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
- Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, and cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Otherwise, use a baking sheet.
3. Shape the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a floured surface and roll it out into a 12-inch circle (or your desired pizza size).
- If you prefer a thicker crust, leave it slightly thicker around the edges. If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or another surface dusted with flour or cornmeal. If using a baking sheet, lightly grease it and transfer the dough onto it.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Layer the pepperoni slices over the cheese, arranging them in a single layer.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, simply place the sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the crust is crispy and lightly browned.
- If you like the crust extra crispy, you can broil the pizza for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and brush the crust with olive oil for a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle with dried oregano for extra flavor if desired.
- If you like, add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot.
Tips:
- Make it your own: Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or onions for a personalized pizza.
- Pizza stone for extra crispiness: If you have a pizza stone, it will help create a crispy bottom crust.
- Sauce and cheese: For an extra boost of flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the sauce or cheese.
- Leftovers: Store leftover pizza in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat it in the oven for the best texture.
Enjoy your Classic Pepperoni Pizza—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! It’s a great meal for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a pizza party with friends and family.