Pepperoni pizza is undoubtedly one of the most beloved dishes in the world. Its crispy, cheesy goodness topped with savory pepperoni slices is a treat for any pizza lover. Making a homemade pepperoni pizza is not only satisfying but also a fun activity for friends and family. In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make the ultimate pepperoni pizza from scratch.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup pepperoni slices (adjust to preference)
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until the mixture becomes frothy.

In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Once combined, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce

While the dough is rising, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once done, remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles and divide it in half if you plan on making two pizzas. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, typically about 12 inches in diameter for a standard pizza.

Place the rolled dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

Arrange the pepperoni slices generously over the cheese. Be sure to spread them out evenly for every bite to have a bit of the savory pepperoni flavor.

4. Bake the Pizza

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve

Once the pizza is out of the oven, allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top before slicing. Slice the pizza into wedges, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza

• Dough Resting Time: Be patient with the dough. Let it rise properly to get that fluffy and crispy texture.
• Cheese: Use whole milk mozzarella for a creamier texture and a great melt.
• Pepperoni: For an extra crispy and flavorful pizza, you can slightly bake the pepperoni slices for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the pizza, or even place them on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
• Pizza Stone: If you have a pizza stone, use it! It will help create a perfectly crispy crust.

Making your own pepperoni pizza at home is not only a fun experience, but it also lets you customize your pizza just the way you like it. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll have a crispy, cheesy, and delicious pizza in no time. Enjoy the process, share it with loved ones, and savor every bite of your homemade pepperoni pizza!

Happy cooking!