Classic Hand-Tossed Pepperoni Pizza
A traditional thin-crust pizza topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 90 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 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
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 7 g (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 160 ml warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 120 ml tomato sauce
- 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 g sliced pepperoni
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 7 g active dry yeast in 160 ml warm water (about 110°F) and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal.
- Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to the prepared peel or sheet.
- Step 6: Spread 120 ml tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then arrange 60 g sliced pepperoni over the cheese.
- Step 8: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp dried oregano over the pizza for added flavor.
- Step 9: Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Step 10: Remove from oven, let it rest for 3 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Hand-Tossed Pepperoni Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (75 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 Hand-Tossed 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 Hand-Tossed 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 Hand-Tossed Pepperoni 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 Classic Hand-Tossed 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.
