Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

If you’re craving that irresistible, crispy, and cheesy slice right from your own kitchen, I have just the thing for you. This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is literally my go-to when I want to impress family or just enjoy a cozy night in. You’ll find that making pizza from scratch isn’t intimidating at all—especially with my easy, step-by-step guide that includes a homemade dough and sauce. Trust me, once you master this, there’s no going back to store-bought crusts or sauces!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

I want to make sure you know why each ingredient works so well here. From the bread flour that gives the crust its chewiness, to the mix of cheeses that melt into a gooey, flavorful blanket, every component plays a role. And don’t worry—I’ll give you tips on what to look for when buying.

• Bread Flour: Its higher protein content creates that perfect chewy, crispy crust you’re after.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds the yeast and helps the dough brown nicely in the oven.
• Instant Dry Yeast: Quick and reliable for a nice rise without extra fuss.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and controls the yeast activity in the dough.
• Warm Water: Activates the yeast – make sure it’s not too hot or you’ll kill the yeast!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps with browning on the pan.
• Garlic: Finely grated, it infuses the sauce with aroma and depth.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle kick.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes with Basil: This is the base of your sauce—look for good quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A tiny splash gives the sauce a nice tang and complexity.
• Pepperoni: Choose your favorite brand, preferably with a bit of spice.
• Provolone Cheese: Thinly sliced for melting and mild creaminess.
• Fontina Cheese: Cubed, it melts into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
• Fresh Oregano (Optional): A sprinkle on top finishes the pizza with a fresh herbal note.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can switch up the cheeses, spice level, or even add veggies, depending on what’s in your fridge or what mood you’re in.

• Spicy Pepperoni: I sometimes add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper on top before baking for an extra kick that my family can’t get enough of.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives—it still tastes amazing!
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of bread flour and adjust the water slightly—I’ve done this with great results for friends with gluten sensitivities.
• Cheese Blend: Throw in some mozzarella or sharp cheddar with the fontina and provolone if you want a different cheese profile.

How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dough and Let It Rise

Start by combining the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a big mixing bowl. Then, pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix everything until it forms a rough dough — I like to use my hands for this part, it really helps you get a feel for the texture. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly tacky but not sticky. Then cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Little tip: I always check the water temperature with a kitchen thermometer because too hot water can kill the yeast, and the dough won’t rise properly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the dough is resting, you can whip up the sauce. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes with grated garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, salt, and sugar. Stir well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors marry nicely. The garlic should cut through the sweetness of the tomatoes and the splash of balsamic adds such a lovely depth. I discovered that making the sauce ahead really helps with flavor!

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Before shaping the dough, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). I like to place my baking pan inside while the oven heats up—that way, the pan is nice and hot when the pizza goes on it, which helps achieve that crispy bottom crust. Coat the pan lightly with extra virgin olive oil so the dough doesn’t stick and gets that beautiful golden edge everyone loves.

Step 4: Shape the Dough and Add Toppings

Once your dough has doubled, punch it down gently to release air bubbles and shape it into a circle (or rectangle, whatever your pan is) on a lightly floured surface. Transfer it carefully to your pre-oiled hot baking pan. Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges for the crust. Layer on the provolone slices, cubed fontina, and finally, arrange the pepperoni slices on top. If you’re a fan, sprinkle fresh oregano over the whole thing for that final herbal kick.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for around 18 minutes or until the crust is golden and crisp, the cheese is melted and bubbling, and those pepperoni edges are slightly crisped. Keep an eye on it in the last 5 minutes because ovens vary—this step made a huge difference in my results once I started watching closely.

How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

I adore finishing my pepperoni pizza with freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn fresh basil or oregano leaves. It really perks up the flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant touch that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. Drizzling a tiny bit of good olive oil just before serving also adds a luscious shine and flavor.

Side Dishes

Whenever I make this pizza, I like to serve it with a simple green salad—something lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through all the richness. Garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully. If you want to keep it classic, a cold glass of soda or a crisp beer never disappoints either!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve had fun making mini versions of this pizza by dividing the dough and shaping smaller rounds—perfect for sharing and no slicing fights! Another time, I made a “pizza board” with slices arranged alongside bowls of olives, artichokes, and fresh herbs for a festive, casual vibe everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. It keeps the flavors intact, and reheatings don’t dry it out when done the right way.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen cooked pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to one month. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for best results.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy crust and gooey cheese, I recommend reheating pizza in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on for a few minutes, rather than the microwave which makes it rubbery. You get a near-fresh slice in just a few minutes!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create something so comforting and delicious. It’s a recipe I’ve made countless times and shared with friends who always go crazy for it. If you’ve been hesitant about making pizza from scratch, this is your sign to dive in—it’s easier than you think and way more rewarding. Enjoy the process, have fun with your toppings, and savor every bite of that perfect homemade slice. You’re going to love it as much as I do!

Print