Cheese Pepperoni Recipe
Make Cheese Pepperoni Recipe in just 1h 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough
- 1
Activate yeast
In a small bowl, stir the warm water, sugar and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy. If no foam forms, the yeast may be dead; start over with fresh yeast.
- 2
Make dough
In a large bowl, whisk the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, add the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Knead
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead in a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.
- 4
- 5
Shape
Punch down the risen dough to deflate, then transfer to a lightly floured surface. For one large pizza, shape into a 12–14 inch disk. For two smaller pizzas, divide in half and shape each into a 9–10 inch disk. Let rest 10 minutes before topping.
Sauce
- 6
Combine sauce ingredients
In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper and olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. No cooking required for this quick pizza sauce; if you prefer a thicker/cooked sauce, simmer in a small saucepan 10–15 minutes and cool.
Toppings & Assembly
- 7
Preheat oven
Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500°F (260°C) for at least 30 minutes. If your oven doesn’t reach 500°F, set it to the highest temperature available (450–475°F).
- 8
Assemble pizza
If using a pizza peel, dust it with a little flour or cornmeal. Stretch or roll the dough disk to desired diameter and thickness on a lightly floured surface. Transfer the shaped dough to the peel or an oiled baking sheet. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes over the pizza.
- 9
Bake
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes at 500°F (10–14 minutes at 450°F), until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned at the edges. Rotate halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
- 10
Finish
Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2–3 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if using. Slice and serve hot.