02/08/2026
🍕 Nonna Pia’s Classic Pepperoni Pizza
Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1–2 hours for dough rising)
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Serves: 2–4
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
* 500 g (4 cups) bread flour
* 325 ml (1⅓ cups) warm water
* 7 g (2¼ tsp) active dry yeast
* 1 tsp sugar
* 2 tsp salt
* 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pizza Sauce
* 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* ½ tsp dried basil
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings
* 250 g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
* 100 g (3½ oz) pepperoni slices
* ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
3. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Preheat the oven to 250°C (475°F). If using a pizza stone, preheat it for at least 30 minutes.
5. In a saucepan, simmer the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes. Let cool.
6. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) pizza.
7. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
8. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
