Name: Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces pizza dough, store-bought or homemade; 1/2 cup pizza sauce (see below); 18 to 20 slices pepperoni; 12 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, optional; Flour for rolling and shaping dough; 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no salt); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/4 cup softened butter; 2 tablespoons honey

If you’ve ever dreamed of nailing that perfect, crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside pizza right at home, you’re going to absolutely adore this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe. I remember the first time I made it for my family—they went crazy, and honestly, it reminded me how incredible homemade really is compared to takeout. So get ready to roll up your sleeves, because this recipe is straightforward, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser!

💙

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Quick: You’ll find this recipe comes together fast, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The quick homemade sauce elevates this pizza well beyond anything store-bought.
Customizable Toppings: You can easily tweak the toppings to suit your taste, but that classic pepperoni? Always a winner!
Perfect Crust Every Time: Whether you use a stone or cast iron skillet, you’ll get that golden, slightly charred crust you crave.

A thin slice of pepperoni pizza is being lifted by a woman's hand, showing three slices of reddish pepperoni on top of melted, light golden cheese. The pizza crust is light brown and slightly fluffy, with a few crispy, darker spots around the edges. The background shows the rest of the pizza, slightly blurred, with more pepperoni slices and melted cheese on top, all on a wooden surface replaced by a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, homemade pizza recipe, easy pepperoni pizza, quick pizza dough, best homemade pizza

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe starts with simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you buy your dough or make it from scratch, these ingredients balance perfectly for a classic, delicious pie.

Flat lay of fresh round ball of pizza dough dusted lightly with flour, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red tomato sauce, a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a neat stack of thin round pepperoni slices, a small white bowl filled with grated mozzarella cheese, a few sprigs of fresh green oregano, a small white bowl containing soft golden honey, a small white bowl with pale softened butter, a small white bowl of coarse ground black pepper, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Homemade Pepperoni Pizza, homemade pizza recipe, easy pepperoni pizza, quick pizza dough, best homemade pizza

Pizza dough: I like a no-knead dough for ease, but store-bought works great too; just make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
Pizza sauce: The quick homemade sauce here uses simple pantry staples but packs a serious flavor punch.
Pepperoni slices: This is the star topping, so pick quality pepperoni for the best taste and texture.
Mozzarella cheese: Grating your own mozzarella melts better and makes a difference you’ll notice right away.
Ground black pepper: Adds that subtle heat and depth—don’t skip it!
Fresh oregano: Totally optional but adding it fresh at the end brightens up the whole pizza beautifully.
Flour for rolling: Keeps the dough from sticking and helps shape your pizza perfectly.
Olive oil (for sauce): Enhances richness in the quick sauce and helps balance acidity.
Honey and butter (for dipping): Yes, it’s a little indulgent, but my dad swears by this honey butter dip for the crust—give it a try!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love mixing in little tweaks depending on what’s in season or what my family is craving.

Vegetarian version: Swap pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives—my go-to when friends who avoid meat come over, and it always impresses.
Extra cheesy: Add a blend of mozzarella and provolone to get gooey, melty perfection that’s an instant hit with cheese lovers.
Spicy twist: Toss some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking to kick the heat up a notch, which I discovered by accident and now can’t live without.
Gluten-free dough: If you prefer gluten-free, use store-bought gluten-free dough—it works surprisingly well with this sauce and toppings combo.

How to Make Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and prep like a pro

Start by preheating your oven to a scorching 500°F. If you have a pizza stone, pop it in while the oven preheats for at least 20 minutes to really get it fiery hot. This is the secret to that perfectly crisp bottom crust you’ll love. If you’re using a cast iron skillet, just get that ready — you’ll preheat it on the stove shortly.

Step 2: Whip up the quick pizza sauce

Mix together the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, granulated garlic and onion, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. It only takes a minute or two, but it makes a huge difference in flavor over jarred sauces. I always make this ahead so it’s ready when the dough is shaped.

Step 3: Roll out your dough with care

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough into about a 14-inch circle. If the dough is stubborn and snaps back, just let it rest for 5 minutes to relax—it makes rolling way easier, trust me. Then transfer the dough to a pizza peel or your cast-iron skillet.

Step 4: Layer on those incredible toppings

Spread a light, even layer of sauce all over the dough, leaving about a 1/4-inch border for the crust. Chop half your pepperoni slices and sprinkle them over the sauce first—this helps the flavors soak in. Then add the grated mozzarella and top with the rest of the pepperoni slices. A sprinkle of black pepper here adds a subtle kick.

Step 5: Bake your masterpiece

If you’re baking on a pizza stone, slide your pizza carefully onto the stone and bake for 6 minutes. Then rotate it for even cooking and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes until the crust is golden and has those lovely charred spots. If using cast iron, press dough into skillet and get it preheated on the stove over high heat for 2 minutes before transferring it to the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The crust gets a beautiful crispy edge this way.

Step 6: Slice, garnish, and serve

Once out of the oven, let your pizza rest for just a minute before slicing. If you like, sprinkle fresh oregano for an herby touch that brightens the whole thing. Serve it hot, preferably with a simple side salad to balance out that cheesy richness.

Step 7: Optional honey butter dip (Dad’s fave)

Stir softened butter and honey together for the most amazing crust dip you didn’t know you needed. My dad invented this, and every time it’s a hit, especially for dipping those golden crust edges.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Warm dough works wonders: If your dough feels too cold or stiff, let it rest at room temp for 10-15 minutes before rolling for easier shaping.
Don’t overload the sauce: A thin layer keeps the crust crisp and avoids sogginess, which I learned the hard way when I went heavy-handed.
Rotate the pizza: Especially when using a stone, rotating halfway through baking helps cook it evenly without burning one side.
Use a hot oven: The high temp is key to that perfect crust; skipping this step can leave your crust pale and doughy.

How to Serve Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh oregano or basil right before serving—it adds a fresh herbal burst that balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni perfectly. Sometimes I grate a tiny bit of Parmesan over the top for that salty finish. If you like a little heat, scatter some red pepper flakes too.

Side Dishes

My favorite go-to sides with this pizza are a crisp Caesar or mixed green salad, and sometimes roasted garlic broccoli or a simple garlic bread. These sides keep things fresh and complement the pizza without competing with those rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve made mini personal pizzas using the same dough and toppings—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Another fun idea is arranging the pepperoni slices in fun shapes or patterns before baking, which always brings smiles to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pizza wrapped tightly in foil or in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. It’s so satisfying to have ready-to-eat pizza for a quick lunch or dinner—I always keep some on hand if I can.

Freezing

You can freeze the pizza either unbaked (then bake from frozen with a longer cooking time) or after baking. I prefer freezing baked slices wrapped individually in parchment and foil for easy grab-and-go meals. Just pop them in the freezer, and they keep great for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I use a sturdy skillet on medium heat with a little olive oil, cover it with a lid, and cook until the cheese melts and the crust gets crispy again. It beats the microwave every time and keeps the flavor fresh like it was just made.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought dough works really well and saves you time. Just make sure it’s fresh and brought to room temperature before rolling out, so it’s easier to handle and bakes up soft and tasty.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone or cast iron skillet?

You can place your pizza on a preheated baking sheet turned upside down to mimic a stone’s effect. Just preheat it in the oven to get that crisp crust. It won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!
Can I make the pizza sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The quick sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it rest lets the flavors meld nicely, making your pizza even tastier.
How do I get a chewy but crispy crust?

The key is a super hot oven and either a pizza stone or cast iron skillet to deliver high heat from below. Also, avoid overloading your pizza with sauce or toppings, which can weigh down the crust and make it soggy.
Is the honey butter necessary?

Not necessary, but it’s a game-changer! My family loves dipping the crusts in it for a sweet and buttery treat that complements the savory flavors perfectly. You’ll definitely want to try it at least once.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you feel like a kitchen hero every time. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to impress friends or family. I truly love sharing this recipe because it brings such joy and deliciousness to my table, and I know you’ll enjoy that same experience. Trust me, once you try making this pizza at home, takeout might just become a thing of the past!