Homemade Pepperoni Pizza: Easy Step-by-Step Recipe

Directions

• Prepare the Pizza Dough:
  In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy—this means the yeast is activated and ready to go.
  Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix everything together until it forms a dough.
  Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic.
  Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
• Make the Pizza Sauce:
  While the dough is rising, make the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  Simmer over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to blend the flavors. Once done, set aside to cool.
• Shape the Dough:
  Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a circle or rectangle, about 12 inches in diameter for a medium-thick crust.
  Transfer the dough to a pizza pan or the preheated pizza stone.
• Assemble the Pizza:
  Spread the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
  Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  Top with pepperoni slices, spreading them out so each bite has a bit of pepperoni.
• Bake the Pizza:
  Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Finish and Serve:
  Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
  Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired.
  Slice into 6 or 8 pieces and serve hot!