Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 1 large pizza (8 slices)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This homemade pepperoni pizza recipe features a perfectly crispy crust topped with a flavorful homemade pizza sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese, and generous slices of pepperoni. It’s baked at a high temperature to achieve a golden-brown crust with delicious charred spots. Optional honey butter is served alongside to add a sweet dipping treat for the crust. Ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering, this easy recipe ensures a satisfying and classic pizzeria-style experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza

  • 16 ounces pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce (see below)
  • 18 to 20 slices pepperoni
  • 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, optional
  • Flour for rolling and shaping dough

For the Quick Pizza Sauce

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no salt)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

For the Honey Butter (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven ahead of time and allow it to heat for at least 20 minutes to ensure it is very hot, which helps develop a crisp crust.
  2. Make the sauce: Combine tomato sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a bowl. Stir well to create a flavorful and quick pizza sauce that perfectly complements the toppings.
  3. Roll out the dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough to about a 14-inch diameter circle. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature to relax the gluten, then continue rolling.
  4. Add the toppings: Transfer the dough onto a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal, or into a large cast-iron skillet. Spread a thin, even layer of the prepared pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges. Chop half of the pepperoni slices and sprinkle them over the sauce. Spread the grated mozzarella evenly on top, then arrange the remaining whole pepperoni slices on the cheese. Sprinkle ground black pepper over the top for added flavor.
  5. Cook the pizza: For stone baking, carefully slide your pizza from the peel onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 6 minutes, then rotate the pizza to ensure even cooking. Continue baking an additional 6 to 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown and has charred spots. For skillet baking, press the dough into a cast iron skillet and add toppings as above. Heat the skillet on the stovetop over high heat for 2 minutes to start crisping the crust, then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 500°F for 10 to 12 minutes until crust is golden and cooked through.
  6. Slice and serve: Use the pizza peel to remove the pizza onto a cutting board. Allow it to rest for a minute before slicing. Optionally, sprinkle fresh oregano over the pizza for an herbaceous lift. Serve warm, paired with a fresh side salad.
  7. Make the honey butter (optional): In a small bowl, mix softened butter with honey until fully combined. Serve alongside the pizza for a sweet, delicious crust dipping sauce.
  8. Store leftovers: Keep leftover pizza refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat by placing slices in a sturdy skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook until the cheese melts and the crust becomes crispy again.

Notes

  • If your dough is difficult to roll, let it rest to relax the gluten before continuing.
  • Preheating the pizza stone is essential for achieving a crispy crust.
  • Use a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal to easily transfer the pizza to the stone.
  • The honey butter adds a delightful sweet contrast to the spicy pepperoni and can be omitted if preferred.
  • Reheating in a skillet preserves the crust’s crispiness better than microwaving.
  • Fresh oregano is optional but enhances the pizza’s flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Find it online: https://grannyeats.com/homemade-pepperoni-pizza-recipe/