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Classic Pepperoni Pizza Recipe: A Timeless Favorite

Few dishes evoke as much joy and satisfaction as a Classic Pepperoni Pizza. With its golden, crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices, it’s no wonder this pizza has become a beloved staple around the world. Whether you’re hosting a casual pizza night or indulging in a weekend treat, pepperoni pizza always delivers. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavors, making it an all-time favorite for any occasion.

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The History Behind Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples, Italy, where flatbreads topped with various ingredients were a common street food. However, it wasn’t until Italian immigrants brought the concept of pizza to the United States that it truly transformed into a global phenomenon. The invention of pepperoni, a spiced, cured sausage made from pork and beef, is largely credited to Italian immigrants in America, and by the mid-20th century, pepperoni had emerged as the most popular pizza topping in the U.S.

While traditional pizzas in Italy are often simpler, with toppings like mozzarella and basil, the addition of pepperoni gave pizza a distinctly American twist. The pepperoni’s spicy, smoky flavor and crispy edges when baked made it the ideal topping for pizza, creating the classic version we love today.

Variations on the Classic

While the Classic Pepperoni Pizza is perfect on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your tastes:

Spicy Twist: If you love heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pizza or drizzle it with hot sauce before serving.

Extra Cheese: Add a blend of cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar for an extra cheesy pizza.

Vegetable Toppings: Add some color and crunch by topping your pizza with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.

Meat Lovers: Include other meats like sausage, bacon, or ham for a hearty, protein-packed pizza.

Classic Pepperoni Pizza

Classic Pepperoni Pizza

This classic Pepperoni Pizza recipe delivers a deliciously crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and perfectly spiced pepperoni slices. Whether it's for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this homemade pizza is bound to satisfy your cravings.
Prep Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin if using homemade dough
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Large mixing bowl for homemade dough
  • Spoon for spreading sauce
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 20-25 pepperoni slices
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • Fresh basil leaves optional for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 1. Preheat the oven:Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
    2. Prepare the pizza dough (if homemade):In a large bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, olive oil, salt, and sugar. Mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
    3. Roll out the dough:On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness (approximately 12 inches for a medium pizza). Transfer it to a lightly oiled baking sheet or pizza stone.
    4. Assemble the pizza:Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (optional) over the pizza.
    5. Brush the crust:Lightly brush the crust edges with olive oil to help it turn golden and crispy in the oven.
    6. Bake the pizza:Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
    7. Garnish and serve:Remove from the oven and allow the pizza to cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you prefer a thinner crust, roll out the dough thinner and adjust the bake time by reducing it by 2-3 minutes.
  • Feel free to customize with additional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on a preheated pizza stone.
  • Store-bought dough works perfectly for a quicker version of this recipe, but homemade dough will offer the freshest taste.
  • You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pizza dough.

Conclusion

The Classic Pepperoni Pizza is a true crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a recipe that stands the test of time. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using shortcuts like pre-made dough, this pizza delivers every time. Its crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and perfectly crispy pepperoni come together to create a dish that’s satisfying, comforting, and delicious.

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