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Pepperoni Pizza Recipe


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Maxine Dubois
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Recipe with Marinara Sauce is made with homemade dough, marinara sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni, and cherry tomatoes. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.  
  2. 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. 
  3. 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

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste and overall quality of your pizza. Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, including the pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, for the best results.
  • Preheat Your Oven and Pizza Stone/Steel: Preheat your oven and pizza stone or steel (if using) for at least 30 minutes at the highest temperature possible (usually around 500°F/260°C or higher). A hot oven and preheated pizza stone/steel will help create a crispy crust.
  • Stretch and Shape the Dough Properly: When stretching or rolling out the pizza dough, be gentle and avoid overworking it. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes before shaping it into your desired pizza shape. Avoid using too much flour, as it can dry out the dough and affect the texture of the crust.
  • Use Thinly Sliced Pepperoni: For a classic pepperoni pizza, use thinly sliced pepperoni that will crisp up nicely in the oven and release its flavorful oils. You can also arrange the pepperoni slices in a single layer to prevent them from becoming too greasy.
  • Don't Overload with Toppings: Avoid overloading your pizza with too many toppings, as this can make the pizza soggy and difficult to bake evenly. Keep it simple and balance the amount of sauce, cheese, and toppings for a well-balanced pizza.
  • Brush the Crust with Olive Oil: Brushing the crust with a little olive oil before baking can add extra flavor and help create a crispy crust.
  • Bake on a Hot Surface: If using a pizza stone or steel, transfer the pizza onto the preheated surface using a pizza peel. This will help create a crispy bottom crust. If using a baking sheet or pizza pan, preheat it in the oven to get it hot before placing the pizza on it.
  • Keep an Eye on the Pizza While Baking: Pizza cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it while baking to prevent burning. The cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust, so use visual cues to determine when it's done.
  • Let the Pizza Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing it. This will help the cheese set and make it easier to slice without the toppings sliding off.
  • Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to customize your pepperoni pizza recipe to your personal taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add other toppings like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms, and adjust the amount of sauce and seasoning to suit your liking.
  • 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