Name: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489639H4M27S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 cups warm water; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 3 3/4 – 4 cups bread flour (all-purpose flour would also work); 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups pepperoni; 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

If you’ve ever dreamed of making pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is not only super simple but delivers that irresistible, crispy crust and melty, gooey cheese we all crave. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find this recipe approachable and totally worth the effort — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made From Scratch: You’ll enjoy the freshness that homemade dough and sauce bring to every bite.
Kid-Friendly Favorite: My family goes crazy for this pizza, and it’s great for getting kids in the kitchen too.
Customizable: You can easily adjust toppings and seasonings to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Affordable & Accessible: Uses simple ingredients that don’t break the bank, making pizza night easy and budget-friendly.

A close-up view of two slices of pepperoni pizza on beige baking paper, layered with a golden brown crust at the bottom, a layer of red tomato sauce with visible oily spots, topped by melted white and light yellow cheese that has bubbly and slightly browned textures, and round pepperoni slices with a rich reddish color and slightly crisp edges evenly spread on top. Some bits of herbs and black pepper are scattered over the cheese and pepperoni. A large metal pizza cutter is partially visible on the left side, resting on the white marbled surface with some crumbs around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe comes down to quality basics that work beautifully together — especially that pizza dough. Here’s what I always keep on hand for the tastiest results.

Active dry yeast: This helps your dough rise perfectly; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and enhances dough browning.
Warm water: Around 105°F is ideal to activate your yeast without killing it.
Olive oil: Adds flavor to the dough and makes it tender.
Salt: Balances flavor and strengthens dough texture.
White vinegar: Helps tenderize the dough for that slight chewiness.
Bread flour (or all-purpose flour): Bread flour gives more chew; all-purpose works well if that’s what you have.
Pizza sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade — both work great.
Pepperoni slices: Pick your favorite brand; a thicker cut gives more bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use whole milk for creamy melt; fresh mozzarella is lovely too.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick.
Italian seasoning: For that classic herby aroma and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This pizza is a wonderful blank canvas, and I love mixing things up depending on the occasion or who’s coming to dinner. Don’t be afraid to play around — the best pizza nights are the ones you can customize to your heart’s content!

Veggie Delight: When I added bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives, my family didn’t miss the extra meat at all — plus, it made the pizza feel lighter and fresher.
Spicy Kick: I’ve tossed on spicy pepperoni or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat combo that’s become my go-to late-night snack.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the bread flour for your favorite gluten-free blend; just keep an eye on dough texture as it won’t be quite the same but still delicious.
Extra Cheese: Because, honestly, who says no to more cheese? Adding some provolone or a sprinkle of pecorino really amps up the flavor.

How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast Like a Pro

Start by mixing the active dry yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. I like to let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it gets all foamy and bubbly — that means your yeast is happily doing its thing. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast might be old and it’s better to start fresh for a good rise!

Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough

Once your yeast is ready, stir in the olive oil, salt, and vinegar. Then gradually add the bread flour (starting with 3 3/4 cups) mixing as you go. I usually knead by hand on a floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and elastic. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour as needed — the dough should be soft but not clingy.

Step 3: Let Your Dough Rise

Pop the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and set it somewhere warm for about an hour until it doubles in size. I like to preheat my oven during this time too, so it’s ready when the dough is.

Step 4: Shape and Dress Your Pizza

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles and divide it into two equal balls — this recipe makes two large pizzas. Roll each ball out onto a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches across. Transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone dusted with cornmeal for crispiness.

Spread the pizza sauce evenly, sprinkle on your mozzarella cheese, scatter the pepperoni slices, add parmesan cheese, and top with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This is where your pizza starts smelling irresistible.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your pizza in a preheated 475°F oven for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it—ovens can vary—so it doesn’t overcook. That first slice is the best reward here!

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Steel: I realized this trick makes the crust crispy and evenly cooked every time — totally worth the investment.
Don’t Overload Your Toppings: When I piled on too much sauce or cheese, the crust got soggy; keep it balanced for the best texture.
Let the Dough Rest After Kneading: Giving the dough 10 minutes to rest helps it relax, making rolling it out so much easier.
Preheat Your Oven Thoroughly: I once skipped this, and the pizza didn’t crisp well; a hot oven is key for that perfect bake.

How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

A large pizza with eight slices on a silver round tray, placed on a white marbled surface. The pizza has a thin crust with a golden brown edge. The first layer is bright red tomato sauce spread evenly under the toppings. The second layer is a thick cover of melted light yellow cheese with specks of toasted brown spots. Pepperoni slices, dark red with slightly curled edges, are spread on top of the cheese layer. Small bits of black pepper and herbs are sprinkled all over the pizza. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with grated cheese, and a black pizza slicer with a shiny blade lies diagonally on the marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing off my pepperoni pizza with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a tiny drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil—adds a fresh, fragrant touch. Sometimes a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes kicks things up a notch, especially if you like a little heat.

Side Dishes

This pizza goes great with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of crunchy garlic breadsticks — both help balance the richness of the cheese and pepperoni perfectly in my experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, I’ve made mini pepperoni pizzas using the same dough — they’re a hit with kids and perfect for dipping into extra marinara sauce. Another idea: serve the pizza on a wooden board with sides of olives, roasted peppers, and mixed nuts for a rustic Italian-inspired feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep their deliciousness for 3 to 4 days—perfect for an easy lunch or quick snack the next day.

Freezing

If I’m planning ahead, I freeze unbaked dough balls wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with topping and baking. You can also freeze baked pizza slices; just separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop slices into a skillet over medium heat with a lid for about 5 minutes — it crisps up the crust while melting the cheese back to deliciousness better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe with store-bought dough?

Absolutely! While I love making dough from scratch for the freshest flavor, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and is a great shortcut when time is tight.
What’s the best way to prevent my pizza crust from getting soggy?

One trick I discovered is to use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet which helps absorb moisture and crisps the bottom. Also, be mindful not to overload your sauce or toppings, as too much moisture can weigh the dough down.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour works fine for this recipe and still produces a tasty pizza crust. Bread flour just has more protein, so it creates a chewier texture if you prefer that.
How do I store leftover pizza dough?

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer bag and thaw in the fridge before use. Always let it rest and come to room temperature before rolling out.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe brings the joy of pizzeria-quality pizza right into my kitchen without any fuss. Making pizza from scratch not only saves money but also creates a fun cooking experience you can share with family or friends. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do — seriously, once you try this, pizza nights will never be the same. Go ahead, grab your ingredients, invite someone to help you, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!