Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Total Time Prep: 40 min. Bake: 10 min.
Yield 8 slices
Test Kitchen Approved
Hello, pepperoni pizza, and goodbye, expensive delivery! We'll show you how to make this classic pizza, including a surprise cheese-stuffed crust.

Ingredients

  • 1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (120° to 130°)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 pieces string cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • SAUCE:
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • TOPPINGS:
  • 1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni
  • 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, 2 tablespoons oil and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
  2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
  3. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-in. circle. Transfer to a greased 14-in. pizza pan, letting dough drape over the edge. Cut string cheese pieces in half lengthwise; place around edge of pan. Fold dough over string cheese; pinch to seal.
  4. Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Brush with remaining oil; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake at 425° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Spread over crust. Arrange pepperoni over top; sprinkle with Italian cheese blend. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 392 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 879mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.

You’ll love working with the dough, the cheesy surprise inside the crust and the jazzed-up sauce in this pie. —Scottie Orr-Wedeven, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Recipe Creator

© 2025 RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC