Few foods are as universally loved as pepperoni pizza. That perfect balance of a crisp-yet-soft crust, rich tomato sauce, stretchy melted cheese, and spicy pepperoni is comfort food at its finest.
Making pepperoni pizza at home might sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple. With the right heat, proper layering, and a few small tricks, you can get pizzeria-style results right from your own kitchen, golden crust edges, bubbling cheese, and that mouthwatering aroma that pulls everyone into the room.
Whether it’s for movie night, a casual hangout, or a quiet dinner where you want to treat yourself, pepperoni pizza always delivers. The secret lies in balance: enough sauce for flavor, enough cheese for stretch, and just the right amount of pepperoni for that bold, savory kick.
Ingredients
- 1 portion homemade or store-bought pizza dough (about 250g for a medium pizza)
- 3–4 tablespoons pizza sauce (tomato-based or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15–20 slices of pepperoni (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil (for brushing the crust)
Optional toppings & garnish
- Chili flakes
- Dried oregano
- Fresh basil
Kitchen Tools
- Oven or air fryer
- Baking tray or pizza stone
- Rolling pin
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife or pizza cutter
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza
1. Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your tray. Keep the center thin and the edges slightly thicker, this helps create a soft, chewy crust once baked.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Oven: Preheat to 220°C / 425°F for at least 10 minutes
- If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for extra crispiness
3. Assemble the Pizza
- Lightly brush the edges of the dough with olive oil for a golden finish
- Spread pizza sauce evenly across the base, leaving a 1–2 cm border around the edges
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce
- Arrange pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese
4. Bake
- Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned
- Air fryer option: Cook at 200°C / 400°F for 8–10 minutes, checking halfway
5. Finish & Serve
- Remove the pizza carefully from the oven
- Sprinkle oregano, chili flakes, or add fresh basil if desired
- Let it rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice and serve while hot and gooey
Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza
- Don’t overload toppings, as too much can make the crust soggy
- For extra crispiness, pre-bake the dough for 3–5 minutes before adding toppings
- Use high-quality pepperoni for better flavor and texture
- Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing to keep the cheese in place
Fun Variations
- Double Pepperoni : Extra slices for bold flavor lovers
- Pepperoni & Mushroom : Adds earthiness and bite
- Pepperoni & Jalapeño : Spicy, bold, and addictive
- Stuffed Crust Pepperoni Pizza : Fold cheese into the edges for maximum indulgence
Pepperoni pizza is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Making it at home gives you full control, from the thickness of the crust to the spice level of your toppings.
Once you pull that pizza out of the oven and hear the crust crack slightly under the cutter, you’ll realize there’s no need to order in. Homemade pepperoni pizza easily earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
