Pepperoni Pan Pizza
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
822 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pepperoni Pan Pizza
Description
The Pepperoni Pan Pizza recipe begins with preparing a rustic tomato sauce combining crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Letting the sauce rest in the refrigerator melds the flavors. A store-bought or homemade pizza dough is stretched to fit a well-oiled rimmed baking sheet or skillet, optionally lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
This dough base is spread with tomato sauce, then topped with a combination of fresh mozzarella torn into small pieces and shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese. This dual cheese blend creates creamy pools alongside stretchy melted strands. Sliced pepperoni is arranged on top, followed by a sprinkle of oregano and grated hard cheese such as Parmesan or pecorino Romano, adding depth.
The pizza bakes in a hot oven at 500°F or above until the crust edges are golden and the cheese fully melted and bubbling, about 11 to 12 minutes. The cheddar-cheese-moisture balance avoids sogginess by drying the fresh mozzarella on paper towels before use. The result is a pepperoni pizza with a crisp-bottomed pan crust, a rich, melty interior, and a balanced tomato and herb flavor.
This homemade pan pizza serves well as a satisfying meal. Choosing quality cheeses influences the texture and flavor intensity. The recipe offers guidance to avoid rubbery low-moisture mozzarella by selecting better quality varieties.
Ingredients
For the tomato sauce
- One (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes crushed by hand or passed through a food mill, or whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt or less to taste, fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the pepperoni pizza
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus 1 for drizzling
- One (1-pound) ball pizza dough storebought or homemade
- 3/4 cup tomato sauce
- 3 ounces mozzarella cheese pinched into small chunks, fresh
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, low-moisture
- 3 1/2 ounces pepperoni sliced
- oregano dried, a pinch or two
- 3 tablespoons hard cheese such as Parmesan or pecorino Romano, grated
Instructions
Make the tomato sauce
- In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, salt, and oil and mix thoroughly. You're done. That's your tomato sauce.
- Let the tomato sauce sit in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld for at least a few hours and up to 1 week.
Make the pizza
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) or 550°F (285°C). Adjust the oven rack to the middle position.
- Slick a rimmed baking sheet or a large cast-iron skillet or a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons oil. If desired, line it with a sheet of parchment paper.☞ TESTER TIP: Using parchment paper means there's no soaking and scrubbing molten cheese and burnt-on tomato sauce from your skillet or pan after dinner. Simply crumple and toss the parchment and you're done.
- Carefully stretch your dough to fit your sheet, skillet, or dish.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the dough and top with both mozzarellas. Arrange the pepperoni on top.
- Bake until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese melts, 11 to 12 minutes.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, the oregano, and the grated hard cheese. Slide onto a cutting board, slice, and devour.
Notes
- Dry fresh mozzarella on paper towels for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy spots.
- Use a higher-quality low-moisture mozzarella to avoid rubbery texture.
- Line the pan with parchment paper to simplify cleanup after baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 822 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1portion | |
| Calories | 822kcal | 41% |
| Carbohydrates | 67g | 22% |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 2922mg | 122% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 15g | 30% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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