Pepperoni Pan Pizza is the ultimate comfort food, offering a thick, golden crust with crispy edges and a soft, chewy center. The pan-baked method creates a crust that’s deliciously indulgent, perfect for holding up the generous layers of melty cheese and spicy pepperoni. With a simple homemade dough and classic pizza toppings, this recipe is great for a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend treat. You can customize the pizza with your favorite toppings, but the classic pepperoni and cheese combo never fails to deliver on flavor.
Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the pizza:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the dough: In a small bowl, combine the yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Generously grease a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or a round baking pan with olive oil, making sure the bottom and sides are well-coated.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to the prepared pan. Use your fingers to stretch and press the dough into the pan, pushing it slightly up the sides to create a thick crust.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by an even layer of pepperoni slices. If desired, add a sprinkle of oregano or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Bake the pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy Pepperoni Pan Pizza!
Perfect for any pizza night, this Pepperoni Pan Pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings!
