Homemade Pepperoni & Green Pepper Pizza
Ingredients
The Base:
Pizza Dough: 1 lb (store-bought or homemade)
Cornmeal: A pinch (for the bottom of the tray to add crunch)
The Toppings:
Pizza Sauce: 1/2 cup (tomato-based with herbs)
Mozzarella Cheese: 1.5 to 2 cups, shredded
Pepperoni: 15–20 slices (ensure they are thinly sliced)
Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium, sliced into long, thin strips
Instructions
Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, put it in now; otherwise, a standard baking sheet works great.
Prepare the Tray: Line your baking sheet or pizza pan with aluminum foil (as seen in your photo). Lightly grease the foil or sprinkle a little cornmeal on it to prevent sticking.
Stretch the Dough: Roll or stretch your dough into a wide circle. For that specific look, aim for a “medium-thin” thickness. Place it onto the foil.
Layer the Flavors: * Spread the sauce evenly, leaving about half an inch for the crust.
Sprinkle the mozzarella generously over the sauce.
Lay the pepperoni slices on top.
Arrange the green pepper strips in a starburst or radial pattern across the cheese and pepperoni.
Bake: Place the pizza in the oven for 10–12 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, and the pepperoni edges are slightly curled and crisp.
Rest & Serve: Let it sit for 2 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set so it doesn’t slide off when you cut it.
Pro-Tips for Success
Crispy Pepperoni: if you like them extra crispy, look for “cup and char” pepperoni at the deli.
Seasoning: A quick sprinkle of dried oregano or red pepper flakes right after it comes out of the oven adds a nice “pizzeria” aroma.