Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan Pizza
A thick pan pizza loaded with spicy pepperoni, fresh jalapeños, and a rich blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a bold Texas-inspired bite. This american-inspired pizza ready in about 115 minutes pairs bread flour, active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup (110°F) warm water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp for pan vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 20 slices pepperoni slices
- 2 medium, thinly sliced jalapeño peppers
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/2 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tbsp sugar in 1 cup warm water (110°F). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups bread flour and 1 1/2 tsp salt. Add yeast mixture and 1/4 cup vegetable oil. Stir until dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Lightly oil a large bowl with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, place dough inside, and cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 450°F. Generously oil a 12-inch cast-iron or deep-dish pan with 2 tbsp vegetable oil.
- Step 5: Press dough evenly into the pan, stretching to the edges and forming a 1-inch rim.
- Step 6: Spread 1 cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Layer 20 pepperoni slices and 2 thinly sliced jalapeño peppers over the sauce.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Optionally, scatter 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 115 minutes (90 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 Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan 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 Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan 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 Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan 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 Texan Pepperoni and Jalapeño Pan Pizza?
American 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.