Pizza Slice With One Topping Recipe

Preheat and prep

Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet placed on the middle rack for at least 30 minutes so it's fully hot.

Lightly flour your work surface with the 1 tbs all-purpose flour. Stretch or roll the 0.33 lb piece of pizza dough into a roughly triangular wedge approximately 10–12 inches at the crust edge and tapered to a point, or to the size of your slice template. Do not overstretch; leave a slightly thicker outer rim for the crust.

Brush the stretched dough lightly with 0.5 tsp olive oil, focusing on the outer rim. This helps browning and prevents sogginess.

Spread 3 tbs tomato pizza sauce over the dough in a thin, even layer, leaving a 3/4–1 inch border for the crust. Use the back of a spoon to keep the sauce thin and even to avoid a soggy center.

Sprinkle 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough, leaving the crust clear. Lightly scatter 1 tsp grated Parmesan over the mozzarella for flavor boost.

Sprinkle 0.25 tsp dried oregano and 0.125 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese for seasoning.

Prepare your chosen single topping: if using pepperoni, arrange about 8–10 standard slices evenly across the slice. If using mushrooms, toss sliced mushrooms with 0.5 tsp olive oil and 0.125 tsp salt, then arrange in a single layer. If using sliced bell pepper, toss strips with 0.5 tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and arrange evenly.

Make sure toppings are distributed evenly but not piled thickly so the slice cooks quickly and evenly.

Carefully transfer the prepared slice onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 5–8 minutes, watching closely: crust should blister and brown at the edges and cheese should be melted and slightly golden.

If you prefer a slightly crisper top, finish with a 30–60 second blast under the oven broiler—watch constantly to avoid burning.

Remove the slice from the oven. Drizzle 0.25 tsp extra-virgin olive oil over the top, tear 2 fresh basil leaves and scatter them on the slice if using. Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving so cheese firms slightly.