Hand-Tossed Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza

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

A classic hand-tossed pizza featuring a golden crust topped with spicy pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese, inspired by cozy country pizzerias. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F), 1 tsp sugar, and 1 packet active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat the oven to 475°F. Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 2 tbsp cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and stretch or roll it into a 12-inch circle on the cornmeal-dusted surface. Transfer to the peel or sheet.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1/2 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Arrange 20 slices of pepperoni evenly over the cheese. Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano on top.
  8. Step 8: Bake the pizza in the oven on the middle rack for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven, let cool 5 minutes, slice, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Tossed Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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 Hand-Tossed Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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 Hand-Tossed Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza 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 Hand-Tossed Country-Style Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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.

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