Go Back

Crust Pepperoni Pizza

Experience the joy of homemade pizza with a crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and quality toppings that's far superior to store-bought options.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Dough
  • 3 cups 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
For the Pizza Sauce
  • 1 cup 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings
  • 1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 60–70 slices 60–70 pepperoni slices (roughly 3–4 oz / 85–115g)
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat lovers
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. Start by activating your yeast. Combine the warm water and sugar in a large bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Once foamy, add the olive oil and salt. Gradually mix in the flour, one cup at a time. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Make the Pizza Sauce
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Shape the Dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up.
  2. Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Place it on a floured surface and stretch it into your desired shape.
  3. Transfer your shaped dough to a sheet of parchment paper or your oiled baking sheet.
Add the Sauce
  1. Spoon the cooled pizza sauce onto the center of the dough and spread it outward, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust.
Add the Cheese and Pepperoni
  1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the sauced surface. Then add the grated Parmesan on top.
  2. Layer the pepperoni slices across the cheese, overlapping them slightly.
  3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if using.
Bake the Pizza
  1. Slide your pizza into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Rest, Slice, and Serve
  1. Pull the pizza out and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing.
  2. Top with fresh basil leaves, slice into 8 pieces, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use bread flour for a chewier crust and preheat your baking surface for a crispier bottom crust. Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.