Zesty Pepperoni Delight

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Equipment:
Baking sheet
parchment paper
rolling pin
oven
pizza cutter
Cuisine Type: Italian-American
The Zesty Pepperoni Delight pizza is a classic favorite that brings the traditional flavors of Italy right to your kitchen. With a crispy crust topped with zesty marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, this pizza is sure to satisfy your cravings.
It’s perfect for a casual dinner, game day, or a fun family night in, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love. This recipe isn’t only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the use of store-bought pizza dough.
You can customize the toppings to fit your preferences, whether you want to add extra veggies or spicy jalapeños. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, Zesty Pepperoni Delight is a go-to option for pizza lovers everywhere.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat for an extra crispy crust.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference, to about ¼ inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet or a pizza peel if utilizing a pizza stone.
- Brush the surface of the dough with olive oil, then spread the marinara sauce evenly over the base. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, ensuring even coverage. Next, layer the sliced pepperoni evenly across the cheese, and finish with a sprinkle of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone for a few minutes to achieve a crispier finish.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it into wedges using a pizza cutter and serve hot.
Extra Tips:
For an added kick, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also experiment with different cheese blends, such as provolone or cheddar, for a unique flavor twist.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, load up on fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms along with the pepperoni.