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Easy · The Deane Recipe Box

Classic Pepperoni Pizza

A crisp, chewy 12-inch pizza topped with tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella, Parmesan, and crisp-edged pepperoni, baked at 425°F.

15 minutesPrep 12–16 minutesCook About 1 hour, including oven preheatingTotal 1 12-inch pizzaMakes

Method

  1. Preheat the oven

    Place a pizza steel or stone on a rack in the upper third of the oven and heat to 425°F for at least 45 minutes. If using a baking sheet, preheat the oven without the sheet.

  2. Shape the crust

    Place the dough ball on a lightly floured surface. Press from the center outward, leaving a slightly thicker rim, then lift and gently stretch it into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a floured pizza peel or a sheet of parchment paper.

  3. Add the toppings

    Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Add the mozzarella in an even layer, arrange the pepperoni over the cheese, and sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano. Brush the exposed crust lightly with olive oil.

  4. Bake

    Slide the pizza onto the hot steel or stone and bake for 12 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway, until the crust is deeply golden, the cheese is bubbling, and the pepperoni edges are crisp. On a baking sheet, bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

  5. Rest and serve

    Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes, then slice and serve.