Homemade Pizza Night: Easy Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

For those looking to recreate a delicious pizza night at home without the need for takeout or delivery, this homemade pepperoni pizza recipe is perfect. Whether you're craving a fresh, cheesy slice or just want to impress friends and family with your cooking skills, making your own pepperoni pizza can be an enjoyable experience. This article provides all the necessary steps and tips so that you can enjoy the deliciousness of pizza right in your home kitchen.

Ingredients

To make this homemade pepperoni pizza, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) jar of pizza sauce or a fresh tomato base
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups pepperoni slices, cut into smaller pieces for even distribution on top.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or fresh if you prefer)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cornmeal or flour as pizza dough

Preparation Steps

Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating, start preparing your homemade pizza dough. If you already have some ready-made dough, skip this step.

Mix the cornmeal with flour and set aside for dusting. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, lightly sprinkle a baking sheet or pizza stone with some of the cornmeal-flour mixture to prevent sticking during cooking. Then take your prepared flatbread or use pre-rolled store-bought dough. Stretch it out by hand into a round shape approximately 12 inches in diameter.

Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the stretched-out dough using a spoon, leaving at least an inch border around the edges to avoid sauce spilling over during baking. Next, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Cover it with cut pepperoni slices and sprinkle dried oregano.

Using your fingers or a brush, drizzle about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the entire surface of the pizza to ensure a crispy crust. Season the top by adding a pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal taste preference.

Baking Time & Servings

The cooking time for this homemade pepperoni pizza is approximately 15 minutes, yielding about four servings per pie. This allows every person in your group to have their own slice after sharing the delicious meal together!

How To Cook The Pizza

Transfer the prepared pizza onto a preheated baking sheet or directly onto the pizza stone within the oven. Place it right on top of the middle rack. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, rotating the position halfway through to ensure even cooking across all sides.

After baking, remove from the oven when the crust is golden brown and slightly crisp while the cheese has fully melted. Let the pizza sit for about two minutes before slicing. Slice it into four pieces and serve hot!

Tips For Better Results

• To achieve the best flavor, use fresh oregano leaves instead of dried ones if available.
• For a healthier version, replace some of the pepperoni with extra-lean ground beef or turkey sausage.
• If you prefer a more traditional New York-style crust, you can stretch out the dough slightly thinner than usual before adding toppings.

Cleaning Up

After enjoying your homemade pizza, clean up by washing all used utensils and bowls thoroughly. Store any leftover ingredients securely so they stay fresh until next time!

Conclusion

Making a delicious pepperoni pizza at home doesn’t have to be complicated! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own mouthwatering treat. It’s perfect for casual nights in or unexpected company visits since it requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum satisfaction. Happy cooking!