Description
This classic Pepperoni Pizza recipe features a homemade dough topped with rich pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni slices. Perfect for pizza nights, this Italian American favorite is baked to golden perfection with a crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings
- 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 24 to 30 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Preparation
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the Dough: Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Allow Dough to Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza pan or baking sheet to prevent sticking and add crunch to the crust.
- Shape the Pizza Base: Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it onto the prepared pan with cornmeal.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices evenly on top. Finish by sprinkling dried oregano and garlic powder over the pizza.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into 8 pieces. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the edges of the crust with olive oil before baking.
- Feel free to add extra toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for variety.
- Using a pizza stone instead of a pan can help achieve a crispier crust.
