Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 30 slices pepperoni 30 slices pepperoni
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 14g (Saturated: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 34g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
3. 3.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
6. 6.
   Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape and thickness.
7. 7.
   Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
8. 8.
   In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, covering the entire pizza.
10. 10.
    Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
11. 11.
    Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
12. 12.
    Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
13. 13.
    Slice and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for a balanced texture in the crust.
• Instant yeast — Make sure the yeast is fresh and active to ensure proper dough rising.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — Shred the cheese yourself for better melting and flavor.
• Pepperoni — Choose a good quality pepperoni with a rich and savory taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a crispier crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone before placing the rolled-out dough on it.
• Experiment with different toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to customize your pizza.
• If you prefer a spicier pizza, add extra red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
• To achieve a more authentic pizzeria taste, bake the pizza on a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
• Leftover pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Pepperoni Pizza hot, straight from the oven. Cut it into slices and serve on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil over the pizza before serving. You can also add a sprinkle of dried oregano for an extra pop of color.