This Easy Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe is topped with pizza sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and classic pepperoni. It bakes in just 9–11 minutes for a quick and easy family dinner.
Use homemade pizza dough or save time with store-bought dough. Either way, you can have a hot, cheesy pepperoni pizza on the table in just over 20 minutes. So much faster than waiting for delivery!
If you enjoy making pizza at home, try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza next. It’s another easy homemade pizza made with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This six-ingredient pizza takes about 20 minutes when the dough is ready, including just 9–11 minutes in the oven.
- Simple ingredients: All you need is pizza dough, pizza sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and pepperoni.
- Homemade or store-bought crust: Use my homemade pizza dough or save time with approximately 14 ounces of store-bought dough.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the amount of pepperoni or add your family’s favorite pizza toppings.
- Better than delivery: It’s an easy, affordable way to enjoy a hot pepperoni pizza at home.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts.
- Pizza dough: I use my homemade pizza crust, but approximately 14 ounces of store-bought pizza dough will also work. This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza.
- Pizza sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought pizza sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best, but store-bought shredded cheese is a convenient shortcut.
- Parmesan cheese: A small amount of Parmesan adds extra cheesy flavor.
- Italian seasoning: This adds a blend of herbs without requiring several individual seasonings.
- Pepperoni: I use 18 pepperoni slices, but you can add more or less depending on their size and how much pepperoni you like.
How Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Comes Together
Place the pizza dough on a pizza pan and shape it into a 12-inch circle.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge.
Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning over the sauce.
Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese and bake for 9-11 minutes.
Tips for the Best Pepperoni Pizza
- Let the oven preheat completely before baking the pizza. The high heat helps the crust bake quickly while the cheese melts and browns.
- Don’t spread the pizza sauce all the way to the edge. Leave approximately one inch of uncovered dough to form the outer crust.
- Avoid using too much sauce because it can make the pizza harder to handle and keep the center from baking as well.
- Watch the pizza closely toward the end of the baking time because ovens and pizza pans can bake differently.
- Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before cutting it so the hot cheese has time to set slightly.
Variations
This easy pepperoni pizza is also a good starting point for your favorite pizza toppings.
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or black olives.
- Replace some or all of the pepperoni with cooked sausage or Canadian bacon.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese.
- Add extra pepperoni for meat lovers.
Keep in mind that adding a large amount of toppings may increase the baking time or make the center of the crust softer.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pepperoni pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for the fastest option. You can also reheat them in the oven or air fryer until the crust is crisp and the cheese is hot.
Can You Freeze Pepperoni Pizza?
Yes, leftover baked pepperoni pizza can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the slices to cool completely, then wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw the pizza in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat it directly from frozen, allowing additional time for it to become hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spread the sauce evenly over the dough, but stop about one inch from the edge. This leaves room for the outer crust and helps prevent sauce from running over the side.
Yes, but avoid overloading the pizza. Too many toppings can weigh down the dough and may keep the center from baking as evenly.
The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and lightly browned. This usually takes 9–11 minutes.
Try These Pizza Recipes Next!
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Easy Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough homemade or store-bought (about 14 ounces)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 18 pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F. Place an oven rack in the middle position.
- Prepare the pizza. Place the pizza dough on a pizza pan and shape into a 12-inch circle. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge.1 pizza dough, ½ cup pizza sauce
- Add the toppings. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the pizza sauce, then top with the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepperoni slices.2 cups shredded mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, 18 pepperoni slices
- Bake. Bake on the middle rack for 9-11 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Serve. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.