Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza is crispy, cheesy, and packed with pepperoni and fresh veggies—a perfect crowd-pleaser for pizza night!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm tap water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast I used Red Star Yeast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for greasing pans
- Cornmeal for dusting pans
- 2 cups pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped green peppers
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 25 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
Instructions
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm tap water (make sure it’s not too hot) with the granulated sugar. Stir to dissolve. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Add the vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough hook. When the dough starts to come together, knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough ball inside, and cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Grease your pizza pan with a little oil and dust it with yellow cornmeal.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a cornmeal-dusted surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch circle or rectangle that fits your pan. Transfer it carefully onto the prepared pan.
- Spread 2 cups of pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Distribute the chopped green peppers, yellow onions, and sliced mushrooms evenly. Finally, layer the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
- While the pizza bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once out of the oven, brush the crust edges with the melted butter for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Allow the pizza to cool for 3–5 minutes before slicing with a sharp pizza cutter or knife. Serve hot and enjoy the melty, savory goodness!
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment
- Pizza pan or baking sheet
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Pastry brush
- Oven
Notes
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or substitute turkey pepperoni.
- Dust the pan generously with cornmeal to prevent sticking and create a crispy crust.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.