Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for activating the yeast)
For the pizza toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 slices of pepperoni (adjust according to preference)
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce or pizza sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). It's essential to ensure the oven reaches the desired temperature before baking the pizza.
- Prepare the dough: If using homemade dough, follow the specific recipe instructions for preparing the dough. If using pre-made pizza crust, skip this step.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Aim for a round or rectangular shape, depending on your preference.
- Transfer the dough: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza stone dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will prevent the dough from sticking to the surface during baking.
- Add the sauce and toppings: Spread the tomato sauce or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the pizza as cooking times may vary based on your oven and desired level of crispness.
- Remove and let it cool: Once cooked, carefully remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice.
- Slice and serve: Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to slice the pizza into desired portions. Serve hot and enjoy!
