Description
Homemade pepperoni pizza is a cost-effective and delicious alternative to delivery. With full control over fresh ingredients, it’s a fun family activity that allows for customization of toppings and flavors. This recipe helps you master the perfect crust, sauce, and cheese blend for a truly satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- Bread flour or 00 flour – 3 cups (375g)
- Active dry yeast – 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet)
- Warm water – 1 cup (240ml)
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
Tomato Sauce
- San Marzano or Roma tomatoes (crushed) – 1 can (400g)
- Onion – ½, finely chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Basil – 1 tbsp (fresh, chopped)
- Oregano – 1 tsp (dried)
- Salt – To taste
Toppings
- Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups (200g), shredded
- Pepperoni – 20-30 slices
- Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup (25g), grated
- Optional: Fresh basil leaves, sliced bell peppers, onions, or olives
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
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- Activate yeast in warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix flour, olive oil, salt, and activated yeast until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes, then let it rise in a covered bowl for 1-2 hours.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
-
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
3. Assemble the Pizza
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- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Roll out dough to desired thickness and shape.
- Spread sauce evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Add pepperoni, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional toppings.
4. Bake
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- Place pizza on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
5. Serve
Let pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier pizza, sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy salami as a topping.
- Dough and sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with cheeses like provolone or ricotta for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 40mg