Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza
A classic thin-crust pizza topped with spicy pepperoni slices and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs 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 400 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 12 oz pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 slices pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, roll out 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch thin round crust.
- Step 3: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper; brush the surface with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 6: Arrange 20 pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese and sprinkle 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
- Step 7: Transfer the pizza on the parchment paper onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Step 8: Remove from oven, let rest for 2 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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 pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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 Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza 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 Thin-Crust Pepperoni and Mozzarella 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.
