Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional pizza topped with tangy red tomato sauce, generous mozzarella cheese, and classic pepperoni slices baked to a perfect crisp. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes blends pizza dough, red pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, shredded into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. On a floured surface, roll out 14 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal.
  2. Step 2: Transfer the dough to the prepared peel or baking sheet, brush the edges with 1 tbsp olive oil for a golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1/2 cup red pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Arrange 1/3 cup pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 tsp dried basil over the pizza for an aromatic touch.
  7. Step 7: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until the crust is crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven, cool 3 minutes, slice, and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce?

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 Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce 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 Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza with Red Sauce?

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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