There’s nothing quite like the joy of making a homemade pepperoni pizza from scratch. The aroma of freshly baked dough, the rich flavor of tomato sauce, the gooey stretch of melted mozzarella, and the spicy bite of pepperoni all come together to create the ultimate comfort food. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect pepperoni pizza in your kitchen.
Why Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza?
While ordering from your favorite pizzeria is easy, making your own pizza gives you complete control over the ingredients, texture, and flavors. Homemade pizza allows you to:
✔ Customize the dough to achieve the perfect chewiness or crispiness.
✔ Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for a healthier option.
✔ Experiment with different toppings and cheese blends.
✔ Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something delicious from scratch.
Equipment You’ll Need
To ensure a smooth cooking process, gather the following equipment:
✔ Stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if kneading by hand)
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Large mixing bowl
✔ Plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel
✔ Rolling pin
✔ Baking sheet (10×16-inch) or pizza stone
✔ Small mixing bowl (for the sauce)
✔ Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Prep Time & Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including dough rising time)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | US Measurements | Metric Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| For the Dough: | ||
| Bread flour | 3 cups | 360g |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | 45ml |
| Kosher salt | 1 tbsp | 15g |
| Dried yeast | 2 tsp | 6g |
| Warm water | 1 cup (plus more if needed) | 240ml |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp | 12g |
| For the Topping: | ||
| Mozzarella cheese, full fat | 2 cups | 200g |
| Fire-roasted diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) | 400g |
| Pepperoni | 3 oz | 85g |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | 1g |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 2g |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | 1g |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, sugar, and yeast.
- Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly add the olive oil.
- Gradually pour in the warm water while the mixer is running. If the dough seems dry, add a little more warm water.
- Knead the dough for 10 minutes on medium to low speed until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball.
- Place the dough in a large, oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 90 minutes until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Stir well to mix all the flavors.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Remove the dough from the bowl and transfer it to a floured surface.
- Roll it out into a 10×16-inch rectangle using a rolling pin.
- Place the rolled-out dough onto a lightly greased baking sheet of the same size.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly across the pizza.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven (450°F / 230°C).
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Slice the pizza using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, 8 Slices Total)
| Nutrient | Amount Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
- Use high-quality mozzarella – A full-fat mozzarella will give you the best melt and flavor.
- Preheat your oven properly – A hot oven ensures a crispy crust. If using a pizza stone, let it heat for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overload with sauce – Too much sauce can make the dough soggy.
- Experiment with different toppings – Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or extra cheese for variety.
- Brush the crust with olive oil – This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much flour when rolling out the dough – This can make the pizza crust too dense. Use just enough to prevent sticking.
- Skipping the dough resting time – Allowing the dough to rise properly ensures a light and airy crust.
- Overloading with toppings – Too many toppings can prevent the pizza from cooking evenly.
- Baking at a low temperature – Always bake at high heat for the best results.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dish: Garlic breadsticks, a simple Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Drink Pairing: A cold soda, beer, or a glass of red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel.
Final Thoughts
Homemade pepperoni pizza is one of the easiest and most rewarding dishes to make at home. By following this recipe, you’ll achieve a crispy yet chewy crust, a flavorful sauce, and a perfect balance of cheese and pepperoni. With a little practice, you’ll never feel the need to order takeout again!
Enjoy your homemade pepperoni pizza! 🍕
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