Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza
Thin-crust pizza topped with spicy pepperoni, dollops of creamy ricotta, and a zesty homemade tomato sauce that mirrors NYC’s vibrant pizzerias. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs ball (14 oz) pizza dough, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (14 oz) pizza dough
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 20 slices pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
- Step 4: On a floured surface, stretch 1 ball of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Step 5: Transfer dough to a parchment-lined peel or flat baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Step 6: Distribute 20 slices of pepperoni evenly, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Step 7: Dollop 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta in small spoonfuls across the pizza.
- Step 8: Slide pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 9: Remove pizza and scatter 6 fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ball (14 oz) pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brooklyn-Style Spicy Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
