Pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite, and making it from scratch at home is easier than you might think. With a crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and a generous topping of pepperoni, this pizza is sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough (or use store-bought dough if you’re in a hurry):
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- In a larger mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the olive oil and the yeast mixture to the flour. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, 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 while it’s heating up for an extra crispy crust.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Roll the dough out into a circle or your desired shape on a floured surface. If you prefer a thicker crust, don’t roll it out too thin.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Place the rolled-out dough on a pizza stone or a baking sheet.
- 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 over the cheese.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted. If you like your pepperoni slightly crispy, you can add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Optionally, brush the crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano for extra flavor.
- Slice and serve hot!
Tips for the Perfect Pepperoni Pizza:
- Crispy Crust: For an extra crispy crust, try baking your pizza directly on a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can also try adding a bit of provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for a different flavor.
- More Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives if you want to customize your pizza.
- Make-Ahead Dough: If you want to save time, the dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
Why You’ll Love This Pepperoni Pizza:
- Homemade Goodness: Making pizza from scratch means you control the ingredients, and there’s nothing quite like the taste of a fresh, homemade pizza.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a movie night, or a pizza party with friends, this pepperoni pizza is always a hit!
Final Thoughts:
Making Pepperoni Pizza at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and the best part is that you get to enjoy it fresh out of the oven! With a crispy crust, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni, this classic pizza is a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!