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The Best Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

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4.3 from 25 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 3 hours 54 minutes
  • Yield: 2 medium pizzas (13–14 inches each)

Description

This classic homemade pepperoni pizza recipe delivers a perfectly crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. Using a pizza stone preheated in a hot oven ensures professional-quality results with a golden crust and bubbly cheese. With step-by-step dough preparation and assembly instructions, you’ll master making pizzeria-style pizza right at home.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 recipe pizza dough
  • 1 teaspoon yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided

Toppings

  • 1 recipe pizza sauce
  • 40 pepperoni slices
  • 1 ounce freshly finely grated Parmesan cheese (about ½ cup)
  • 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella, shredded (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Make Dough: Start by preparing the pizza dough according to your homemade pizza dough recipe. Allow the dough to rise until it doubles in size.
  2. Preheat Oven and Pizza Stone: Move the oven rack to the second-highest position and place a pizza stone on it. Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure the stone is thoroughly heated.
  3. Prepare the Dough Ball: Punch down the dough to deflate it, then transfer it to a lightly floured countertop. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and cover with a damp paper towel to rest for 15–30 minutes, allowing the gluten to relax for easier stretching.
  4. Shape the Dough: Place parchment paper on the pizza peel and sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Transfer one dough ball onto the peel and gently stretch and press it out into a 13–14 inch circle. If the dough resists stretching, cover it again and let rest 5–10 minutes before continuing. Brush ½ tablespoon olive oil around the outer edge of the dough to promote a golden crust.
  5. Cook Pepperoni: Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on a large microwave-safe plate lined with two paper towels. Cover with two more paper towels and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Press the top paper towels onto the pepperoni to absorb excess grease, helping to keep the pizza from getting soggy.
  6. Assemble Pizza: Spread ¾ cup of pizza sauce evenly over the dough with the back of a spoon or ladle, leaving a ¼-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce, then layer 1 cup shredded mozzarella. Distribute 20 pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
  7. Bake Pizza: Slide the assembled pizza with parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 8–12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles and melts perfectly.
  8. Serve: Using the pizza peel, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool 5 minutes before slicing. Repeat the process with the remaining dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni for a second pizza.

Notes

  • Allow the dough to rest adequately between stretches to avoid shrinkage from gluten elasticity.
  • Preheating the pizza stone is essential for a crispy crust.
  • Microwaving pepperoni before baking helps remove excess grease and prevents sogginess.
  • Use cornmeal on the pizza peel for easy transfer without sticking.
  • Let pizza cool briefly before slicing to allow cheese to set.
  • Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/the-best-homemade-pepperoni-pizza-recipe/