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Carla’s Dependable Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Close-up of two thick slices of homemade pepperoni pizza featuring bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese and crispy pepperoni.
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Make the best pizza dough recipe at home for a fun Friday night dinner. This easy homemade pizza is perfect for your next pizza party.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for the bowl
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows the yeast is active.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Pour the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  4. Knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough sticks, add a small amount of flour, one teaspoon at a time.
  5. Lightly grease a clean, large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl and turn it over so the top is coated with oil.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  7. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  8. Punch down the risen dough gently. Divide it in half for two medium pizzas, or use the whole batch for one large pizza.
  9. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the dough into your desired pizza shape, about 12 to 14 inches across.
  10. Carefully transfer the dough to a lightly oiled baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
  11. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
  12. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
  13. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  14. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or steel heated in the oven.
  • You can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
  • If you want a thinner crust, let the dough rest for 10 minutes after punching it down before stretching.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/homemade-pepperoni-pizza-best-dough-recipe/