This Pepperoni Pizza with Marinara Sauce is made with pizza dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes.
This will forever be my favorite pizza dough to make from scratch. It is SO easy, you won’t believe you made it. Not to mention pepperoni pizza is my absolute favorite pizza.
If you love this recipe, feel free to check out my Pizza Margherita and my Pizza Puttanesca.
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Why you will love this recipe
Versatile: Get creative if your toppings. You can add burrata, banana peppers, oregano, or even a balsamic glaze.
Full of flavor: The marinara sauce, mozzarella, and basil pack such a delicious combination of flavors.
Kid Friendly: What kid doesn't like pizza? Pizza days were always my favorite in my house.
Great for all weather: I enjoy this pizza in the winter and summer months.
Ingredients
You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:
- Pizza dough
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh Mozzarella
- Pepperoni
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Basil
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450 F. When the dough is ready, cut in half and cling wrap one half to keep for another time. Add flour on the counter and flatten the other dough out with a roller. Make sure to put flour on your hands and on the roller to keep the dough from sticking! Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray. Add the pizza on it.
With a spoon, add the marinara on the pizza.
Slice the mozzarella and add about 5 slices or more if needed. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add as well.
Finally add the pepperoni. Put in the oven for about 15 minutes.
After the pizza is done, add about 6 pieces of basil on it. The heat of the pizza will soften the basil leaves. Feel free to drizzle on olive oil and salt on it as well.
Hint: Feel free to broil for 1-2 minutes extra if you want it to be more brown.
Substitutions
Pizza dough: You can make your own pizza dough or just buy store bought pizza dough.
Marinara Sauce: My favorite brand of marinara sauce is Rao's, but feel free to use any bran you prefer.
Mozzarella: I used fresh mozzarella and not shredded mozzarella. The fresh mozzarella melts really well. You could use either one.
Basil: Feel free to use oregano or parsley.
Variations
Cooking is a chance to be creative! Have fun with it and feel free to make your own variation.
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes on the pizza for a spicy kick.
- Deluxe - get creative with the toppings. You can add sliced onion, pepperoncinis, or even honey.
- Kid friendly - add extra cheese!
Check out this Italian Mahi Mahi.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides.
I love using my Caraway pots, pans and baking sheets for best quality.
Storage
This will be good in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
This Pepperoni Pizza with Marinara Sauce can be frozen for up to three months.
Top tip
You can the option to broil for 2 minutes at the end for a crispier crust.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Print
Pepperoni Pizza with Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pepperoni Pizza with Marinara Sauce is made with homemade dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 15 oz store bought pizza dough (or make your own- see notes*)
- 5 tablespoons of marinara sauce or store bought
- 1 fresh mozzarella
- 15-20 pepperoni slices
- 1 cup of chopped cherry tomatoes
- 6 basil leaves
- Salt, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F. Add flour on the counter and flatten the other dough out with a roller. Make sure to put flour on your hands and on the roller to keep the dough from sticking! Spray a baking sheet with non stick spray or use parchment paper. Add the flattened dough onto the baking sheet.
- With a spoon, add the marinara on the pizza and spread it. Slice the mozzarella and add about 5 slices or more if needed. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add, cut side down, as well. Finally add the pepperoni. Put in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Feel free to broil for 1-2 minutes extra if you want it to be more crispy.
- After the pizza is done, add about 6 pieces of basil on it. The heat of the pizza will soften the basil leaves. Feel free to drizzle on olive oil and salt on it as well.
Notes
- Make sure to flour your hands and the roller or the dough will stick!
- After the pizza is done, with a cooking brush, you can brush olive oil onto the crust for a delicious taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 305.0
- Sugar: 7.5 g
- Sodium: 1,468.2 mg
- Fat: 7.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38.9 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Protein: 19.7 g
- Cholesterol: 12.1 mg
Gloria
This pizza was everything I ever dreamed of. I love bursted cherry tomatoes!
★★★★★