Easy Homemade Pizza With Pepperoni (Print Format)
Create a bubbling, crisp-crusted pizza topped with melty mozzarella and savory pepperoni at home.
# Ingredients:
→ Dough and Sauce
01 -
1 16-ounce ball of pizza dough (12 to 16 ounces)
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil, for rubbing dough
03 -
1 cup pizza sauce
→ Cheese
04 -
3 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
05 -
5 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1 1/4 cups)
06 -
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
→ Toppings
07 -
2.5 ounces pepperoni (about half a 5-ounce package)
# Steps:
01 -
Place a pizza stone in the bottom third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 550°F, or as high as possible (minimum 475°F). Allow the stone to preheat for at least 30 minutes.
02 -
Lightly oil or flour your work surface. Place the pizza dough ball in the center and press it down with your hands, working outwards from the center. Use your hands or a rolling pin to shape the dough into a 12-inch circle. Form a thicker edge for the crust if desired.
03 -
Transfer the shaped dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Stretch the dough as needed to maintain a 12-inch size.
04 -
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the dough. Use your hands or a pastry brush to evenly distribute the oil, focusing on the edges of the crust.
05 -
For a thicker crust, let the prepared dough rest for 10 minutes before baking.
06 -
Using the parchment paper, transfer the dough onto the preheated pizza stone. Par bake the dough for 1-2 minutes until slightly puffed. Remove from the oven and poke down any large bubbles. Keep the oven door closed as much as possible to maintain heat.
07 -
Spread 1 cup of pizza sauce evenly over the par-baked dough. Layer 3 ounces of thinly sliced mozzarella, followed by 5 ounces of shredded mozzarella. Finish with 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese.
08 -
Distribute 2.5 ounces of pepperoni, or other desired toppings such as olives, mushrooms, or sausage, over the cheese layer.
09 -
Slide the pizza (without parchment paper) back onto the pizza stone. Bake for 8-12 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Check the bottom of the pizza's crust to ensure it is evenly cooked.
10 -
Remove the pizza using a peel and transfer it to a cooling rack to prevent a soggy crust. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing into 8 pieces. Serve immediately.
# Tips:
01 -
Use a pizza stone for a crispy crust. If unavailable, dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
02 -
Pre-made dough and sauce can save time without compromising flavor.