Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base

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

Classic pizza dough spread with a tangy tomato sauce, topped with pepperoni slices for a simple, satisfying homemade pizza. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 35 minutes blends all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 3/4 cup warm water (110°F). Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and 1 tbsp olive oil until a dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 7-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F. Punch down the dough and roll into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a greased pizza pan.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle 1/2 tsp dried oregano on top.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then arrange 25 sliced pepperoni evenly on the cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base?

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 Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base 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 Pepperoni Pizza Dough with Tomato Sauce Base?

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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