Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square Pizza

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

A thick, airy Sicilian pizza with a spicy tomato sauce, generous pepperoni slices, and a crisp, golden crust baked in a sheet pan. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 205 minutes pairs bread flour, instant yeast, at 100°F warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, 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: 180 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups bread flour, 2 tsp instant yeast, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add 1 3/4 cups warm water at 100°F and 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix and knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Transfer dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 2 hours until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, purée 14 oz canned whole peeled tomatoes with 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth to make the spicy tomato sauce.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 475°F. Oil a 13x9 inch rimmed sheet pan generously with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the dough to the pan and gently stretch it to all corners. Cover and let proof for 30 minutes until puffy.
  6. Step 6: Spread the spicy tomato sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle 10 oz shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then arrange 12 oz pepperoni slices evenly.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly caramelized.
  8. Step 8: Remove pizza from oven, sprinkle 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano over the top, let cool 5 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 205 minutes (180 min prep + 25 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 Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square 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 bread flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square 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 Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square Pizza for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sicilian-Style Spicy Pepperoni Tomato Square 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.