Ingredients for Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
Ingredients for Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for added spice)
Making the Pizza Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt.
- Add olive oil to the dry ingredients, followed by warm water. Mix until the dough forms a ball.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Preparing the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or another baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly across the pizza.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pizza for an extra savory kick.
Baking the Pizza:
- Carefully slide the prepared pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Slice, Serve, and Enjoy:
- Cut the pizza into slices, serve it hot, and relish the sizzling, cheesy delight of your homemade pepperoni pizza!
This recipe crafts a delectable, cheesy pepperoni pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, providing a feast for your taste buds!