Texas-Style Oversized Pepperoni Pizza
A massive 30-inch pizza loaded with spicy pepperoni slices and gooey mozzarella, perfect for sharing at a casual gathering. This pizza ready in about 40 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (110°F) warm water, (one packet) active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 12, 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
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 cups (110°F) warm water
- 2 1/4 tsp (one packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 6 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cups pepperoni slices
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp (optional) crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 1/4 cups warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: Add 6 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until a smooth elastic dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a 30-inch diameter circle, transferring it to a large pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Step 4: Spread 2 cups tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle 1 tsp dried oregano and optional 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the sauce.
- Step 5: Generously top with 6 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, then evenly distribute 3 cups pepperoni slices over the cheese.
- Step 6: Bake the pizza in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned at the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, slice into large wedges, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Texas-Style Oversized Pepperoni Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Texas-Style Oversized 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Texas-Style Oversized 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 Texas-Style Oversized Pepperoni Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Texas-Style Oversized Pepperoni Pizza?
Pizza 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.
