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After spending way too much money on takeout pizza, I finally cracked the code to making the perfect homemade version right in my kitchen! This recipe started as a weekend experiment with my kids and turned into our Friday night tradition. The secret? A double layer of pepperoni - some hidden under the cheese that melts into the sauce creating amazing flavor in every bite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This easy homemade pizza tastes just like the good stuff from your favorite pizza joint, but you get to control all the toppings! I love that I can make it with store-bought dough when I'm in a hurry, or go all out with homemade dough when I've got time. My kids go crazy for that hidden layer of pepperoni - it's like finding treasure in every slice!
Ingredients
- The Base:
- 1 pound pizza dough (room temp)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- The Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 4 ounces pepperoni slices
- Pinch of coarse salt
- Optional Extras:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated parmesan
Let's Make Pizza!
- Get Things Hot
- Crank your oven as high as it goes - I'm talking 500°F at least! If you've got a pizza stone, pop it in there now. No stone? A cast iron skillet works great too.
- Prep Your Dough
- Stretch that dough gently with your hands - I find this works better than rolling. Don't worry if it's not perfectly round, we're going for rustic here!
- The Secret Layer
- Here's the magic: chop up half your pepperoni and sprinkle it right on the sauce. Then add cheese and top with whole pepperoni slices. This double layer will blow your mind!
- Bake It Right
- Slide that pizza into your screaming hot oven and watch it like a hawk. We're looking for bubbly cheese and those pepperoni edges that curl up and get crispy - usually about 12 minutes.
Pro Tips
Let your dough come to room temp before stretching - cold dough just fights back. Don't go crazy with the sauce, less is more! I like to brush the crust edges with olive oil for extra crispiness. And here's my favorite trick: keep some honey butter nearby for dipping those crusts!
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Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add mushrooms or bell peppers when I'm feeling virtuous. My kids love when I make personal-sized pizzas so they can add their own toppings. If you're feeling fancy, try fresh mozzarella instead of shredded - just tear it into small pieces so it melts evenly.
Storage Tips
Cold pizza for breakfast? Yes please! But if you want to reheat it, skip the microwave. Pop it in a skillet with a lid - the bottom gets crispy while the top gets melty. Trust me, it's almost better than fresh made. And if you've got extra dough, freeze it for next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why so hot an oven?
500°F gives you that crispy, slightly charred crust like pizzerias. Lower temp makes it bready.
- → No pizza stone?
Cast iron skillet works great. Pre-heat on stove first, then move to oven for perfect crust.
- → Best way to reheat?
Skillet with lid brings back crispy crust and melty cheese. Skip microwave - makes it soggy.
- → Dough won't stretch?
Let it warm up and rest 5 minutes. Cold dough just springs back.
- → Why chop some pepperoni?
Chopped pieces under cheese add flavor throughout. Whole slices on top get crispy edges.
Conclusion
Homemade pepperoni pizza is easier than you think. With the right technique, you can create a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen, using simple ingredients and a hot oven or skillet.