Easy Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
A delightful homemade pepperoni pizza with a golden crust, bubbling cheese, and savory pepperoni that's perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) Either use store-bought for convenience or make your dough from scratch.
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce Choose a high-quality sauce for best flavor.
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese For gooey cheese texture.
Toppings
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni Spicy and smoky pepperoni.
- 2 tsps olive oil Adds richness and helps crisp the crust.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning For added flavor.
- to taste fresh basil (optional, for garnish) Adds fresh flavor and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- If using store-bought dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If making homemade dough, roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a half-inch border.
Assembling the Pizza
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
- Arrange sliced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and drizzle olive oil over the pizza.
Baking
- Transfer pizza to a baking stone or sheet pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice into wedges, and serve hot.
Notes
To achieve a crispier crust, preheat your baking stone for 30 minutes before baking. You can also customize with your favorite toppings.