Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce
This classic Italian-style pizza combines a thin, crisp crust with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices for a fast and satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 95 minutes blends all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, 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 650 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 150 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100 ml tomato sauce
- 150 g mozzarella cheese
- 50 g pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast in 150 ml warm water (about 40°C) and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 250 g all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, then knead the dough for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 3: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F). Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a 30 cm diameter circle.
- Step 5: Spread 100 ml tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 2 cm border around the edge.
- Step 6: Tear 150 g mozzarella cheese into small pieces and scatter over the sauce, then evenly layer 50 g pepperoni slices on top.
- Step 7: Transfer the pizza to a baking tray or stone and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (80 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 Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce?
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 Thin-Crust Pepperoni Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce?
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 Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pizza with Mozzarella and Tomato Sauce?
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.