Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A homemade classic cheese and pepperoni pizza with a crisp thin crust and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for a fun night in reminiscent of arcade game snacks. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 105 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water (110°F) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 90 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F. Punch down the dough and roll out into a 12-inch circle on a pizza stone or baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 cup crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough. Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/2 tsp garlic powder over the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Evenly distribute 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then top with 30 slices of pepperoni.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and torn 6 fresh basil leaves on top before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 105 minutes (90 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 Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni 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 Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Classic Arcade-Style Cheese and Pepperoni 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.

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