Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella

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

A chewy, flavorful pizza made with fermented dough, topped with savory pepperoni slices and melted mozzarella cheese. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 1572 minutes pairs bread flour, warm water, active dry yeast 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.

Prep: 1560 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp active dry yeast, 1/2 tsp sugar, and 180 ml warm water (38°C), let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 300 g bread flour and 1 tsp fine sea salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, stirring until dough begins to form.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and ferment in the fridge for 24 hours to develop flavor and air holes.
  4. Step 4: Remove dough from fridge, let rest at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone inside.
  5. Step 5: Stretch dough gently by hand into a 12-inch circle, place on parchment paper.
  6. Step 6: Spread 100 g tomato sauce evenly over the surface, then scatter 150 g shredded mozzarella and arrange 100 g sliced pepperoni on top.
  7. Step 7: Transfer pizza on parchment onto the hot stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese melted.
  8. Step 8: Remove, let rest 2 minutes, slice, and enjoy the chewy texture and savory toppings.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 1572 minutes (1560 min prep + 12 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 Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella?

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 Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella?

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 Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella 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 Fermented Dough Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella?

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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