There’s nothing quite like making a homemade pepperoni pizza from scratch. With a perfectly crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and spicy pepperoni slices, this pizza rivals any takeout or frozen option. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious homemade pepperoni pizza that will have your family and friends coming back for more!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 20-25 slices of pepperoni
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing until the dough comes together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Roll Out the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza pan or preheated pizza stone.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread an even layer of sauce over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices on top, adding red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with dried oregano, and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough? Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made pizza dough from the grocery store. Just follow the baking instructions on the package.
What’s the best way to store leftover pizza? Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for the best texture.
Can I freeze homemade pizza? Yes! Assemble the pizza, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 450°F for 15-20 minutes.
Notes & More
- For an extra crispy crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Add extra toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to customize your pizza.
Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza!
