Method

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza (makes 2 slices)

Preheat and prepare dough

Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats. Lightly dust a baking sheet or a pizza peel with flour. Stretch or roll 0.25 lb of pizza dough into an oval roughly 8–9 inches long and about 6–7 inches wide so you can cut two restaurant-size slices. Leave a slightly thicker edge for the crust.

Brush the stretched dough lightly with 1 tsp olive oil, focusing on the outer edge to encourage browning.

Assemble the pizza

Spread 3 tbsp tomato pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 0.5-inch rim. Sprinkle 0.75 cups shredded mozzarella evenly across the surface. Add 18 pepperoni slices in a single overlapping layer. Sprinkle 1 tsp grated parmesan, 0.25 tsp dried oregano, 0.125 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 0.125 tsp coarse salt evenly over the top.

Bake

Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes, rotating halfway, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned at the edges. Keep an eye after 7 minutes to avoid burning; ovens vary.

Rest and slice

Remove pizza from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice into two slices. Let cool an additional 1 minute before plating so the cheese sets slightly.

Simple House Salad (side for two slices)

Combine 2 cups mixed salad greens, 6 halved cherry tomatoes, 0.25 cucumber (thinly sliced), and 1 tbsp very thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl.

In a small cup or jar, whisk together 1 tsp olive oil, 0.5 tsp red wine vinegar, 0.0625 tsp salt, and 0.0625 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust — for slightly more acidity, add another 0.25 tsp vinegar; for more oil, add 0.5 tsp more oil.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately alongside the two pizza slices.

One Drink — Sparkling Lemon-Basil Refresher

In a sturdy glass or shaker, muddle 4 fresh basil leaves lightly with 0.5 oz simple syrup to release the basil aroma (do not pulverize).

Add 1 oz fresh lemon juice and 4 ice cubes to the glass. Stir briefly to chill and mix.

Top with 6 oz chilled sparkling water and give a gentle stir to combine. Taste and add up to 0.25 oz more simple syrup if you prefer sweeter.

Garnish with a lemon wheel and one whole basil leaf. Serve immediately with the pizza and salad.

Two Slices & One Drink Recipe