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Looking for a crowd-pleaser that the whole family can enjoy? This thick-crust pepperoni pizza is your go-to choice for family night! With its golden, chewy crust topped with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni, this pizza is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, making it at home means you can customize it to your family’s taste. Let’s dive into this easy recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this thick-crust pepperoni pizza for its irresistible flavors and the fun experience of making it together. It’s a perfect way to bond with family while enjoying a delicious meal.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
- Kid-friendly: A fun activity for the whole family.
- Comfort food: Satisfies cravings with every cheesy bite.
- Perfect for leftovers: Enjoy it the next day for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
How to Make Pepperoni Pizza with Thick Crust
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the remaining flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit a greased 14-inch pizza pan. Create a thicker outer crust by pushing the dough slightly up the edges.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving the edges clear for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
- If desired, sprinkle dried oregano over the pizza for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Results
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
- Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Let the dough rest for a few minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
Easy Variations
- Swap pepperoni for your favorite toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Try a white pizza by using ricotta cheese and spinach instead of tomato sauce.
- Make it a BBQ chicken pizza by using barbecue sauce and grilled chicken.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing.
- Garlic breadsticks for extra indulgence.
- A side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Your favorite soft drinks or homemade lemonade.
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield/Servings: 8 slices
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add the remaining flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out to fit a greased 14-inch pizza pan. Create a thicker outer crust by pushing the dough slightly up the edges.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base, leaving the edges clear for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then layer the pepperoni slices on top.
- If desired, sprinkle dried oregano over the pizza for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve hot!
Notes: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.




















