Description
This classic Pepperoni Pizza recipe delivers a crispy crust topped with rich pizza sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked pepperoni slices. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or pizza night, this homemade pizza combines simple ingredients and straightforward baking technique for mouthwatering results.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 pound pizza dough
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 to 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat as well. This ensures a crispier crust.
- Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, roll or stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Dust your baking sheet or pizza peel with cornmeal to prevent sticking and transfer the dough onto it.
- Brush Dough Edges: Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil to promote a golden, crisp crust.
- Add Sauce: Evenly spread the 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the crust intact.
- Layer Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then, arrange the pepperoni slices on top. For extra crispy pepperoni, place slices directly on the cheese.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the pizza to add depth and a subtle kick.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool slightly for easier slicing, then cut into 8 slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy pepperoni, place slices on top of the cheese.
- You can add other toppings like mushrooms or olives if desired.
- Letting the dough rest at room temperature before stretching makes it easier to work with.
