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Pepperoni Pizza – Crispy, Cheesy, Classic, and Always a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s a reason pepperoni pizza is America’s favorite—it’s the perfect marriage of spicy, salty, cheesy, and crispy. Whether you're making it for a Friday night movie marathon, a game-day spread, or just because you’re craving a slice of comfort, this homemade pepperoni pizza recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. What makes this one special? A chewy and golden homemade crust, a tangy and flavorful tomato base, melty mozzarella cheese, and those crispy-edged pepperoni slices that curl up like little flavor cups. It’s as good—if not better—than takeout, and way more fun to make. Let’s dive into the easiest way to create restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍞 For the Dough (makes 1 large pizza)
  • 2 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • ¾ cup warm water 110°F/43°C
  • 1 packet 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
🍅 For the Sauce
  • ½ cup tomato sauce or pizza sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
🧀 Toppings
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 30 –40 pepperoni slices classic or mini
  • Optional: fresh basil grated Parmesan, or red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling pin or hands for stretching dough
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Parchment paper
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Oven preheated to 475°F (245°C)
  • Optional: stand mixer with dough hook

Method
 

Step 1. Make the Dough
  1. In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  3. 2 cups flour
  4. 1 tsp salt
  5. Foamy yeast mixture
  6. 1 tbsp olive oil
  7. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for 7–10 minutes until smooth.
  8. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled.
Step 2. Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
Step 3. Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, mix together:
  2. ½ cup tomato sauce
  3. 1 tsp oregano
  4. ½ tsp garlic powder
  5. ¼ tsp salt
  6. Optional: red pepper flakes
  7. Stir well and set aside.
Step 4. Shape the Dough
  1. Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface.
  2. Roll or stretch into a 12-inch circle.
  3. Place on parchment paper for easy transfer.
Step 5. Assemble the Pizza
  1. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
  2. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
  3. Add pepperoni slices, slightly overlapping if desired.
  4. Optional: sprinkle extra herbs, Parmesan, or drizzle of olive oil.
Step 6. Bake to Perfection
  1. Transfer the pizza (with parchment) onto a hot baking sheet or stone.
  2. Bake for 10–13 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned.
  3. For crispier edges, broil for an additional 1–2 minutes—watch closely!
Step 7. Slice & Serve
  1. Let cool for 2–3 minutes.
  2. Slice with a pizza cutter.
  3. Serve hot with optional chili flakes, fresh basil, or ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store slices in airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked slices up to 2 months.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 5 minutes.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza: Add jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy pepperoni.
Stuffed Crust: Roll mozzarella sticks into the crust edge before baking.
Pepperoni Lovers: Double the pepperoni and layer under AND over the cheese.
Four Cheese: Mix mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and fontina.
Mini Pizzas: Divide dough into 2–3 personal pies and top as desired.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free dough or crust alternative.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! It saves time and still makes a great pizza.
2. What kind of pepperoni should I use?
Regular, spicy, or mini pepperoni all work—use your favorite!
3. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Prep the dough 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Let come to room temp before using.
4. Do I need a pizza stone?
No, but it helps with an extra crispy crust. A hot baking sheet works well too.
5. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Don’t overload with sauce or toppings and bake on a preheated surface.
6. Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, just pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! After first rise, freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
8. What’s the best cheese for pizza?
Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal—it melts evenly and browns beautifully.
9. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the simplicity—and helping make it, too.
10. How do I get a chewy crust?
Use bread flour and let the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight.
🏁 Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a homemade pepperoni pizza—especially one that’s easy to make and full of cheesy, spicy goodness. From its crispy bottom to its gooey topping, this pizza is the stuff cravings are made of.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, the perfect party centerpiece, and the best way to say “I love you” with cheese. Once you master this recipe, you’ll never go back to delivery again.