Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich deep-dish pizza loaded with layers of mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a drizzle of homemade Turkish red pepper oil for a smoky heat. This mediterranean-inspired pizza ready in about 45 minutes pairs bread flour, warm water, instant yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 800 calories and feeds 3, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 800 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 5 g instant yeast, 180 ml warm water (110°F), and 1 tsp salt in a mixing bowl. Add 300 g bread flour and 3 tbsp olive oil, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until elastic.
  2. Step 2: Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a 9-inch round deep-dish pan with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Press the dough evenly into the pan, pushing it slightly up the sides to create a thick crust.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 80 g tomato paste with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and 30 ml water until smooth.
  6. Step 6: Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the dough base.
  7. Step 7: Layer 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange 120 g pepperoni slices on top.
  8. Step 8: Bake the pizza in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and drizzle a little Turkish red pepper oil (infused olive oil with red pepper flakes) over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil?

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 bread flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil?

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 Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Deep-Dish Cheese and Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Turkish Red Pepper Oil?

Mediterranean 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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