Homemade Pepperoni Pizza
The ultimate comfort food, this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza is cheesy, crispy, and easy to make! Perfect for family dinners or game nights, you’ll love the fresh toppings and delightful crust. Make it tonight and satisfy your pizza cravings!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Warm Tap Water
- 1.5 teaspoons Granulated Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast I used Red Star Yeast
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable or Canola Oil
- 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- Oil For Greasing Pans
- Cornmeal For Dusting Pans
- 2 cups Pizza Sauce or Spaghetti Sauce
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ cup Chopped Green Peppers
- ½ cup Chopped Yellow Onion
- 25 slices Pepperoni
- ½ cup Sliced Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons Butter Melted
- 2 tablespoons Yellow Cornmeal
Instructions
- Start by combining water and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This creates a sweet environment for the yeast to thrive.
- Next, sprinkle yeast over the water mixture. Gently stir a few times and let it sit for about five minutes. You should see bubbles forming, indicating that the yeast is active.
- Add two cups of flour to the bubbly mixture along with a pinch of salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined, forming a sticky dough.
- Pour in the vegetable oil and mix it in thoroughly. This will add moisture and flavor to your dough.
- Gradually add the remaining flour, one third of a cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’re aiming for a dough that pulls away from the bowl and is not overly sticky.
- Once the dough is ready, transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead it for about five to seven minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’re looking for a dough that springs back when lightly pressed.
- Place the kneaded dough into a large, oiled bowl. Cover it with a kitchen towel and place it in a warm, draft-free space. Allow it to rise until it doubles in size, which should take about one hour.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza pans. Lightly grease them with oil and sprinkle cornmeal on top to create a non-stick surface.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it back onto the floured surface, and divide it into two equal pieces.
- Roll out one piece of dough into a circle that matches the size of your pizza pan. Carefully stretch the dough to fit, ensuring the edges are slightly thicker.
- Preheat your oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will ensure a beautifully baked crust.
- Before baking, place the pizza dough in the oven for seven minutes. This pre-baking step helps to set the crust.
- Brush the sides of the pizza with melted butter and sprinkle with one tablespoon of cornmeal for added flavor.
- Spread one cup of pizza sauce evenly over the pre-baked dough, then layer on your toppings: pepperoni, onion, green pepper, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and any other favorites.
- Bake the pizza for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. The smell will be irresistible!
- Once baked, repeat the same process for the second pizza with the remaining dough and toppings.
Notes
- This recipe makes: 2 large size pizzas.