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Classic Pepperoni Pizza is the quintessential quick dinner option that never goes out of style. With a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni, this pizza is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or a cozy night in. Plus, it’s simple to make, so you can whip it up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy pepperoni pizza recipe is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for one or a group, this dish ticks all the boxes.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Kid-Friendly: A surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use store-bought or homemade components.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Flour for dusting
How to Make Classic Pepperoni Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, if using.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Results
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Don’t overload on toppings; keep it simple for a perfectly cooked pizza.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, or mix it with part-skim mozzarella for a balance of flavor and melt.
Easy Variations
- Veggie Delight: Add bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives for a colorful veggie pizza.
- Meat Lovers: Top with sausage, ham, or bacon for added protein.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a fiery flavor boost.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
- Garlic breadsticks for that extra carb fix.
- A side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage and Reheating
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Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Flour for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
6. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese.
7. Drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, if using.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Notes: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the rolled-out dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
