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Homemade Pepperoni Pizza: A Simple Family Activity

Two thick slices of homemade pepperoni pizza showing bubbly cheese and a fluffy crust, served on a white plate.

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Make a satisfying pepperoni pizza at home with this easy dough and zesty sauce recipe. It is a low-stress way to enjoy a communal Friday night meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the sauce: While the dough rises, combine the tomato paste, water, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth. This makes your easy pizza sauce recipe.
  5. Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C).
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough. Divide it in half for two medium pizzas, or use all for one large pizza. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into your desired pizza shape.
  7. Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper dusted with cornmeal. Spread a thin, even layer of the sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and top with pepperoni slices.
  8. Bake: Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy your best homemade pizza dough creation for pizza night at home.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, let the dough rest for 10 minutes after shaping before adding toppings.
  • If you want a more intense pepperoni flavor, place a few slices of pepperoni directly on the sauce before the cheese.
  • This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas, perfect for a family-led DIY activity.

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