Classic Pepperoni Pizza
A homemade pizza with a crispy yet fluffy crust, rich sauce, and topped with mozzarella and pepperoni.
Ingredients
For the pizza dough
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 1/4 cup room temperature water
- 2 1/2 tsp active yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cup all-purpose flour
For the pizza sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fresh oregano (chopped OR 1/2 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 tsp fresh basil (chopped OR 1/2 tsp dried basil)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes
For the pizza topping
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 30 slices pepperoni
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (OR oregano leaves)
Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Dough
- Combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar, allowing it to froth and bubble.
- Measure out your flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then let it rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Prepare the Pizza Sauce
- Mix together the tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, sugar, olive oil, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Let sit to meld flavors.
Bake the Pizza
- Preheat the oven. Stretch the dough into a round shape, spread the sauce, add mozzarella and parmesan, and top with pepperoni. Bake until the edges are crispy and cheese is bubbling.
Notes
For a crispy crust, use a pizza stone. Allow the pizza to cool briefly before slicing. You can also experiment with toppings such as fresh veggies or different cheeses.