Pepperoni Recipe
Make Pepperoni Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough (makes 1 12-inch pizza crust)
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough (makes 1 12-inch pizza crust)
- 1
Activate yeast and mix dough
In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105–115°F / 40–46°C), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir lightly and let sit 5–7 minutes until foamy. In a larger bowl, mix flour and salt. When yeast is foamy, add olive oil to the water mixture, then pour into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 2
Knead
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. If dough is too sticky, add up to 1–2 tablespoons more flour; if too dry, wet hands and continue kneading.
- 3
- 4
Shape crust
Punch down the risen dough to release air. On a lightly floured surface, press and stretch the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with semolina or a lightly oiled baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
Sauce
- 5
Prepare quick pizza sauce
In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. The sauce should be slightly thick; if too thick, thin with 1–2 teaspoons water.
- 6
Spread sauce
Using the back of a spoon, spread about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of sauce over the shaped dough, leaving a 0.5–1 inch border for the crust. Do not overload with sauce to avoid a soggy crust.
Toppings and bake
- 7
Add cheese and pepperoni
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauced dough. Arrange pepperoni slices to cover the pizza surface. If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on top.
- 8
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for at least 30 minutes.
- 9
Bake
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and starting to brown at edges. Rotate once halfway through baking for even browning if needed.
- 10
Rest and serve
Remove pizza from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes to set. Slice into 6–8 slices and serve hot.