Few foods in the world can compete with the universal appeal of a hot, cheesy slice of pepperoni pizza. Whether you’re at a family gathering, a weekend party, or simply treating yourself after a long day, pepperoni pizza almost always finds its way to the table.
And what better way to start than with the one thing everyone comes looking for—the recipe!
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Nothing beats the satisfaction of creating your own pepperoni pizza at home. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe that delivers bold flavors, gooey cheese, and the perfect crust.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 25–30 slices of pepperoni (choose your favorite style)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Pro Tip: For an artisan-style crust, let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight. This slow fermentation develops deeper flavor and creates airier bubbles when baked.
- Make the sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes for a smoother, richer sauce.
- Assemble the pizza
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Spread sauce evenly, add mozzarella, layer pepperoni, and sprinkle Parmesan.
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
Pro Tip: Try a cheese blend—mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra stretch and flavor. For the pepperoni, place some slices under the cheese and some on top for that perfect balance of gooey and crispy.
- Bake to perfection
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Pro Tip: If you love that restaurant-style char, preheat a pizza stone or cast-iron pan in the oven for 30 minutes before baking. It gives you a beautifully crisp bottom crust.
Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s a general nutritional overview for a homemade pepperoni pizza (per slice, based on an average 12-inch pizza, cut into 8 slices):
- Calories: 280–320
- Carbohydrates: 30–35g
- Protein: 12–14g
- Fat: 12–15g
- Saturated Fat: 5–6g
- Sodium: 600–800mg
Homemade pizza gives you more control over your nutrition. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella, fewer pepperoni slices, or swap some toppings with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
How Many Calories in a Pepperoni Pizza?
One of the most common questions people ask is: “How many calories in a pepperoni pizza?”
- A standard slice of a 14-inch pepperoni pizza (thin crust): 280–320 calories.
- Hand-tossed crust slice: 320–380 calories.
- An entire medium 12-inch pepperoni pizza: 1,600–1,800 calories in total.
Of course, when you make it at home, you’re in charge of the ingredients. With fresh dough, high-quality cheese, and the best pepperoni for pizza, you can create a healthier (yet tastier!) version than most takeout pies.
The Best Pepperoni for Pizza
Not all pepperoni is created equal. The best pepperoni for pizza depends on your style and taste preference:
- Cup-and-Char Pepperoni – Small, thicker slices that curl into crispy cups when baked. Smoky, crunchy, and intensely flavorful.
- Thin-Sliced Pepperoni – Perfect for even coverage across your pizza. Each bite has the same balance of meat and cheese.
- Artisan or Natural-Casing Pepperoni – Made with fewer preservatives and bold spices like garlic, paprika, and fennel. A great choice if you want that authentic pizzeria taste.
Pro Tip: If you want Instagram-worthy pizza, use “cup-and-char” pepperoni. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also create that picture-perfect look with little pools of melted oil.
The Timeless Love for Pepperoni Pizza
Pepperoni pizza has become an international icon of comfort food. While pizza’s roots stretch back to Italy, pepperoni is a uniquely American creation that made its way to menus everywhere. Its spicy, smoky kick blends perfectly with bubbling mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce.
From Friday night family dinners to late-night cravings, pepperoni pizza never goes out of style. It’s comfort food, it’s party food, and most importantly—it’s happiness on a plate.
Why Pepperoni Pizza Tops Every Craving List
So, what keeps pepperoni pizza at the top of every craving list?
- Flavor Explosion – Smoky, spicy pepperoni, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese.
- Texture Perfection – Chewy crust, crispy edges, melty cheese—every bite is balanced.
- Universal Love – It’s a favorite across generations and cultures.
- Endless Customization – From stuffed crusts to veggie add-ons, it adapts while staying true to its roots.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re counting calories, searching for the best pepperoni for pizza, or diving into this pizza pepperoni recipe, one thing is certain: pepperoni pizza will always top the craving list.
So next time hunger strikes, skip the frozen aisle—make your own or order a pie crafted with passion. Because when it comes to comfort food, The Best Pepperoni Pizza will always reign supreme.
