Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

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Homemade pepperoni pizza is a classic favorite that combines a crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and deliciously spicy pepperoni. Making pizza at home allows you to customize it to your taste and enjoy a fresh, hot slice straight from the oven. This recipe will guide you through creating a perfect pepperoni pizza with a homemade crust and all the right toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love homemade pepperoni pizza for its unbeatable flavor and freshness. The combination of a perfectly baked crust, savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni makes it irresistible. Plus, making pizza at home is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use a pizza stone: Preheat a pizza stone in the oven to achieve a crispy crust.
  • High oven temperature: Bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 475°F to 500°F) for the best results.
  • Evenly spread sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust to prevent sogginess.
  • Layer cheese and pepperoni: Place a layer of cheese under the pepperoni to prevent it from curling too much.
  • Let the dough rise: Allow the dough to rise adequately for a light and airy crust.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Different cheeses: Try a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan for extra flavor.
  • Veggie toppings: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or olives for a veggie-packed pizza.
  • Spicy option: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough mix or recipe.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve homemade pepperoni pizza with a side salad, garlic bread, or breadsticks. Pair it with a cold beverage like soda, beer, or iced tea. This pizza is perfect for a casual dinner, game night, or a fun weekend meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for best results.
  • Reheating: Reheat pizza in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also use a skillet on medium heat to reheat slices.

Recipe FAQs

What if I don’t have a pizza stone? Use a baking sheet or an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven.

Can I use pre-made pizza dough? Yes, pre-made dough from the store works well if you’re short on time.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Pre-bake the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings, and don’t overload with sauce or toppings.

Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it rise, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before using.

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Yield: 2 medium pizzas
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Dive into the rich legacy of Pepperoni Pizza with our authentic recipe. Perfect crust, melt-in-mouth cheese & crisp pepperoni await!

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • Olive oil (for brushing the crust)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, until the yeast is frothy.
  2. Add olive oil, 3 1/2 cups of flour, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. In a small bowl, mix together tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface into a round shape about 12 inches in diameter.
  8. If using a pizza stone, place the rolled-out dough on a piece of parchment paper. If using a baking sheet, lightly oil it and place the dough on the sheet.
  9. Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  10. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  11. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
  12. If using a pizza stone, transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated stone. If using a baking sheet, place it directly in the oven.
  13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  14. Remove the pizza from the oven and brush the crust with a little olive oil for extra flavor and shine.
  15. Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
  • Use high-quality mozzarella for the best melting results.
  • If you prefer spicy, opt for spicy pepperoni or add sliced jalapeños.

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    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 253Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 642mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 11g
    © Chasety.com
    Category: Dinner

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