Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic Sauce

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

A traditional hand-tossed pizza topped with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices, finished with a signature garlic dipping sauce. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese shredded for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 720 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F and stretch 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, then transfer to a baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce, then arrange 20 pepperoni slices on top.
  4. Step 4: Bake the pizza at 475°F for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt; mix well to create a creamy garlic dipping sauce.
  6. Step 6: Remove pizza from oven, let cool for 3 minutes, slice, and serve alongside the garlic dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic Sauce?

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 pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic 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 Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic Sauce 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 Hand Tossed Classic Pepperoni Pizza with Garlic 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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