The Best Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Craving classic pepperoni pizza? This easy recipe delivers a perfectly crispy crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni, all made fresh in your own kitchen. Ideal for pizza night!

Ingredients

• 1 pound store-bought pizza dough (or homemade)
• ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
• 3-4 ounces pepperoni slices
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for brushing crust

Directions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet in your oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have a pizza stone, a regular baking sheet will work, but a stone helps achieve a crispier crust.
2. Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness (about 12-14 inches in diameter). If the dough is too elastic, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing.
3. Assemble Pizza: Carefully transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal (if using a pizza stone). Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Add Cheese & Pepperoni: Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the sauce. Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
5. Bake: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper or from the peel) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is bubbly and melted, and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.
6. Rest & Serve: Carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese if desired.