Mario Bros Pepperoni Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crispy, cheesy pizza with a retro twist, perfect for celebrating the iconic 1985 Mario Bros adventure. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 27 minutes pairs (about 12 oz) pizza dough, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, stretch pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella over the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Arrange pepperoni slices in a spiral pattern, then drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the top. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Top with fresh basil before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mario Bros Pepperoni Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Mario Bros Pepperoni 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 (about 12 oz) pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mario Bros Pepperoni 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 Mario Bros Pepperoni Pizza 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 Mario Bros Pepperoni Pizza?

Italian quick meals 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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