
Would ever believe that I HATED pizza growing up? In fact, I don’t think I liked it all until 6th grade. You see, in 6th grade I was attending Harmony Elementary School in Vancouver, Washington and as the oldest kids we got to have lunch in our classrooms. Yeah, we were pretty big stuff. And to make it even more exciting we actually got to order pizza on Fridays. BOOYAH! I can still smell it Oh my gosh, we thought we were awesome. The kind was always the same, Pepperoni Pizza. But, we all grew up and now while I still love a good takeout pizza I also want a pepperoni pizza recipe that’s as good to make at home as it is to have delivered. Which means that we’ve been working on this recipe for 2 months, and testing every ingredient out there.

Two Kinds of Pizza in the World
There are two kinds of pizza, and only two. Bet you already knew that though, right? There’s take out which is greasy, gooey, and crazy delicious. This is best eaten when you are feeling lazy, depressed, partying, or chillin’. But, there’s also pizzeria pizza. This pizza is the real deal. It’s generally more like an actual Italian or New York Style pizza. The ingredients are generally better and it’s usually found in pizzerias or awesome Italian restaurants. They are different. Period. A chain pizza place versus the gourmet deal. And each has it’s moment, but today we want to talk about delivery. I know, you probably didn’t think I was going to say that, but everyone has had a hankering for delivery, the one you want on a Saturday night while you kick back and watch a movie.

Help Us Celebrate Our Oldest Daughter’s Birthday
Our daughter is celebrating her 7th birthday today. Holy crap I’m old. I can hardly believe it! She looooooves pizza. It’s one of her favorites. She is obvioulsy aware of what I do for a living and specifically requested that we make the perfect pepperoni pizza for her, and I kid you not, she wanted to do a giveaway just like I do. Love that girl. So, make sure you scroll down to see what you get, and we’d love for you to leave a birthday shout out that she can read and fell all special about. 😉
Essential Ingredients/Tools for the Perfect Pepperoni Pizza
We tested so many ingredients, pans, recipes, and temperatures and these are the ones that came out with the best results. Gosh, it’s like I’m America’s Test Kitchen! LOVE THEM.
Flour: King Arthur All purpose Flour produced the best crust. We did try using half and half with bread flour or all bread flour, but that crusty, chewy crust was best with all purpose.
Yeast: Red Star Yeast was the most full proof yeast. We got a perfect rise every time, and it produced a chewy crust.
Pepperoni: We found that the Margherita Brand of Pepperoni produced the best flavor and texture. Some pepperonis were rubbery and extra greasy when baked, but Margherita brand crisped up a little around the edges, and had great flavor and texture. It literally was night and day difference. Unfortunately no other brand came close enough to compare so we say stick with this one. *TIP* We found that cooking the pepperoni for 15-20 seconds on paper towels in the microwave removed a little more grease and produced those crisped edges we love on delivery pizza.
Cheese:Oh the cheese… this one was also tricky. Too many Mozzarella’s didn’t melt down well enough or were lacking flavor. Fresh mozzrella or water packed was cray good, but better suited for Margarita pizzas. We found that Galbani provided that perfect cheesy flavor with great meltability.
Pan: This one probably doesn’t seem crucial but it made a HUGE difference in our pizza. We tried everything from air bakes and pizza stones to regular pizza pans, but nothing compared to the Mario Batali Pizza Pan. It gave an even distribution of heat, retained heat, held up to high temperatures and helped to make a perfect crust with a crispy bottom and soft chewy inside. Plus, this one actually has a lifetime warranty and was 10x easier to clean up.
Pizza Dough : I’ll be honest, we tried half a bazillion pizza dough recipes, including making our own, but the fact remains, Artisan Bread in 5 is still the best pizza dough recipe we’ve tried.
Pizza Sauce: We tried jarred sauces, pizza sauce recipes and even a fresh tomato sauce, but our favorite ended up being our own Homemade Pizza Sauce that we posted on Monday.
Pizza Tools: We found out that King Arthur Flour has an awesome pizza tool kit so you can chop, grate and slice to your little heart’s desire!

Can Pizza Dough Be Made Ahead?
You can make your pizza dough ahead of time, even the night before.
Simply wrap the dough in plastic wrap after it has risen once.
Store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Let the dough warm, and rise, then roll out and top it and bake it.
Can Pizza Dough Be Frozen?
You can freeze pizza dough to be used later.
Let the dough rise once, then divide it into balls for each pizza.
Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
How Long will Pepperoni Keep?
Unopened pepperoni can be stored for up to 6 weeks in the pantry or indefinitely in the refrigerator.
Once pepperoni is opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for 3 weeks.
Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Perfect Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Description
Ingredients
Pizza Dough from Artisan Bread in 5
- 1 ½ Tablespoon Instant Yeast
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, extra virgin
- 2-3/4 Cups Water, lukewarm
- 6 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour, unbleached
Pizza
- 1/2 Cup Pizza Sauce
- 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, Galbani
- 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Package Pepperoni, Margherita Brand
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
- 1/2 Tablespoon Butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons Parmesan Cheese, kraft
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt, Lawry's
Instructions
Pizza Dough
- In the bowl of your standing mixer, fitted with the dough hook attachment, mix the yeast, salt, sugar, and olive oil with the water.2-3/4 Cups Water, 1 ½ Tablespoon Instant Yeast, 1 ½ Tablespoons Kosher salt, 1 Tablespoon Sugar, 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- Slowly add the flour without kneading.6 ½ Cups All-Purpose Flour
- Transfer dough to large bowl. Cover (not airtight), and allow to rest at room temperature until dough rises and collapses (or flattens on top), approximately 2 hours.
- The dough can be used immediately after the initial rise, though though not only is it easier to handle when cold, but I think it also produces a better crust.
- Refrigerate in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next 12 days. See note
Pizza
- Heat the oven to 500 or 550 degrees if your oven allows. NOT broil.
- Place the pizza pan in the oven to get hot.
- Stretch the pizza dough into a large circle by holding it up in front of you and turning the dough clockwise, grabbing quickly with one hand after another or by tossing the dough. This creates a better crust, but you can roll it out if you wish.
- Place on a pizza wheel or parchment paper to help you to transfer the dough to the pan.
- Quickly remove the pan from the oven and transfer the dough to the pan.
- Working fast, spread a little sauce on the pizza, top with both cheeses and then Italian seasoning followed by the pepperoni.1/2 Cup Pizza Sauce, 2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese, 1 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, 1 Package Pepperoni, 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Sprinkle 2 Tablespoons of cheese over the finished pizza.
- Combine the olive oil and butter and brush the crust then sprinkle the parmesan and garlic salt over the crust.1 teaspoon Olive Oil, 1/2 Tablespoon Butter, 2 teaspoons Parmesan Cheese, 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
- Bake the pizza for 6-8 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 2 minutes before cutting into.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products


Donna
Happy Birthday, and many mooooooooore!
Rita
Happy Birthday!
Chelsea E
Happy Happy 7th Birthday to You!!!! 🙂
claire @ the realistic nutritionist
Who hates pizza? haha! I love this recipe, always looking for a pizza delivery option at home!
Rebecca
Happy birthday! How fun!
Kristin
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!!
Abby W.
Happy 7th Birthday!!!
Brooke
Happy Birthday to the coolest 7 year old around! I mean you must be, because your parents ROCK!! 🙂
Andi Waite
I’m sending big birthday wishes for you on your 7th birthday. I”m sure you will have a fun party and lots of good food, especially with that pepperoni pizza. Have a wonderful year!!
Jenna
Happy Birthday! Hope you are having a great day!
Layla
Happy happy happy 7th birthday!!! Lucky you for getting such an awesome pizza dinner for your birthday!!!
Dena Mann
Happy birthday Sweetie! I remember your Mom when she was 7 and to think that she now has you turning 7 makes me feel wonderfully old!
Trish
I LOVE LOVE LOVE pepperoni pizza and yours looks devine! I Hope your daughter has a PEPPERONI-Y Happy Birthday, with extra cheese!
Lauren
The happiest of b-days to your wonderful daughter!
Lauren@ Climbing Grier Mountain
So sweet! Happy Birthday!! And I will take the whole pie, please?!!
Jessi
Happy 7th Birthday!
Karen D
Happy birthday! And remember that 7 is a very special year!
Robin
Happy Birthday to a special 7-year-old!!!
Karalee
Happy birthday! 7 is so much fun. I hope you have an amazing day.
Natalie S
Happy birthday! What a great way to share your special day through pizza and a giveaway. 🙂
Michele Moyes
Happy Birthday !!! What an Awesome MOM you are for making such a great pizza for her B- party – can’t wait to try your recipe – thank so much for sharing – I just love your posts and Fb and your blog keep up the great work !!
Amandra K
Happy, happy birthday! May you have a blessed day!
Sara
Happy birthday! Thank you for the giveaway! That is too sweet!
Sandy
Happy Seventh Birthday.
Julie Campbell
Happy 7th Birthday!
Joy Forer
HaPpY BiRtHdAy!!’
Andrea D.
Happy Birthday! I love this recipe. I will definitely have to make this.
Jamie
Happy 7th Birthday! You are one LUCKY girl to grow up in a house full of such amazing food and an amazing momma! 🙂
Jessy
Happy birthday! My oldest turned 17 this year, now that makes you feel old!
Lily S.
Wishing a very happy birthday to the little lady! Hope it’s a great one!
Chantel
Happy Birthday baby! Enjoy ur pizza!
Cola
Happy Birthday!!!! Cannot wait to try it!
Heather
Happy 7th Birthday!!! What an exciting age, practically grownup (but without the bills, job and non-fun)! Hope your family has a lovely time celebrating! 🙂
Ali Smith
Have a happy birthday! Pizza is my favorite, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it!
Elizabeth Fiorentino
Happy Birthday!!! What a wonderful way to celebrate. So great of you to be giving back.
Christina
Happy birthday!!
Ashleigh
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!
Missy
Happy birthday sweet girl!
MISTY WOTRING
Happy Birthday!!! I hope you have a great day!
Kayla
Happy Birthday! Homemade pizza is the way I celebrated my last birthday too! 🙂
amber
Happy birthday! What a sweet girl you must be! Thanks for the wonderful recipes!
Kaila
Happy Birthday!
amber
Happy
Brenda
Happy happy happy 7th birthday!
Jennifer
Happy Birthday, sweet Peyton! I hope it’s super fun!
Stephanie Doan
Happy Birthday! How sweet you are to want to do a giveaway! 🙂
Janelle F.
Happy Birthday! Hope your 7th birthday is great!
Rebecca Baron
Happy Birthday!
Nicole W
Happy Birthday!!
Anna Lawrence
Happy Birthday!!! 7 is a lucky year. Have a wonderful day!!!!!
Sandra
Happy Birthday, 7will be a wonderful year!
Melissa Little
Happy birthday, Peyton! So excited for you turning seven! I can’t believe you are that old. I first met you when you were about a week old and it just doesn’t seem like it was very long ago. Enjoy your big day!
Natalee S
Happy Birthday!
Natalie G.
Happy birthday! Hope it’s the best one yet!
Jessica Natividad
Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful day
Tabitha P.
happy birthday!
Alyssa Stockwell
Happy Birthday P! Only one more year til we get you in Activity Days. Yeah!
Krystal Clough
Happy birthday!
Cristina @ An Organic Wife
Happy, Happy Birthday!
Amber
Happy birthday!
Sarah G
Happy Birthday, Little Lady!
Rebecca Schear
Happy 7th Birthday Sweetie, Have a Pizzalcious Birthday Celebration!
Stephanie
Happy birthday to your daughter!! Hope she has a great day!
Camille
Super Happy 7th Birthday! My boys love pizza and have Birthdays in a few weeks. This recipe would be fabulous.
Michelle
Happy 7th birthday to your daughter
Megan
Happy 7th Birthday!!! Have a blast!!!
SandyN
Happy Birthday!! Hope you have an awesome day!!!
Crystal Andersen
Happy Birthday to your sweet daughter!!
DeeDee
Happy 7th Birthday! My boys love pizza too! Glad you want the best pizza possible!
Shirley M
Happy birthday!!!
DeeDee
Happy 7th Birthday! My one year old son loves pizza and
Shirley M
Happy birthday!!
Susan
Happy birthday to YOU, happy birthday to YOU, happy birthday little sweet one, happy birthday to YOU!
ardelle
🙂 Happy Birthday!
Katie
Happy Birthday to your sweet child. I hope it’s a great day!
Marice
I want to get the equipment for the pizza….was checking out what you used and searching online when I saw your gift offer! It would be super nice to get it. We all love pizza and homemade is the best. I need a good pizza pan/dish…thank you for doing this!
Terri C
Happy Birthday to a very thoughtful young lady! Pizza is on the list for my daughter tonight but she turns 23!
Teri
Happy Birthday, kindred spirit! (it’s my birthday today, too) Hope you have a wonderful, fun-filled day and evening!
jenny
Happy Birthday!!! Enjoy your day! 🙂
Elizabeth G.
Happy birthday!!
Marice
Happy Birthday!!!!! Love the pizza your mum made you
Amanda
Happy Birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day. 🙂
Laura @ Laura’s Weekly Menus
Happy 7th birthday to your daughter!! She has good taste 🙂
Kathy
Happy Bday!!! Hope it’s a great one!
Gayle
Happy Birthday!!!!
Shelly
Happy 7th Birthday to your little girl!
aimee @ like mother like daughter
Oh my goodness. This pizza looks absolutely perfect. We love pizza around our house and we order it way too often, so I can’t wait to make our own!!
PS. Happy birthday to your darling daughter! I always wanted pizza on my birthday too! And thanks for the giveaway 😉
Rachael
HappyBirthday To Your Daughter!! No Better Way To Celebrate Than With Awesome Pizza!
Amanda
Pizza sounds like a PERFECT birthday dinner. Hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday.
My youngest turned one on the 16th & we will have a 6yo birthday on May 7th… and that almost 6yo insisted on pizza at our house tonight too.
Sweet Basil
Hey! The 16th was my birthday! Did you see all of the fun giveaways that week? They’re still open, so you should enter!
Carla @ Carlas Confections
Aww happy birthday to your daughter! Ill celebrate with this pizza for sure!!!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
This looks so delicious, and your pictures are as perfect as the pizza! Happy birthday to your sweet little lady!
Sweet Basil
Thank you! This happens to be one of those posts that every time I went to shoot something happened, so I’m cringing a little inside every time I look at them. 🙁 You’re too sweet!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings
Happy Birthday 🙂
Tristen
Wow, it is birthday season! Our daughter had her sixth birthday yesterday, along with three other people from our neighborhood! I guess the Italian theme won at our house too, she had me make spaghetti and meatballs. Happy birthday to your daughter! She’s one smart cookie to ask for the best pizza.
Logan Odom
Happy birthday!
Kay
Happy birthday!!
Meredith B.
Happy birthday!!
Tieghan
Happy Birthday!! Your daughter is pretty lucky she get this pizza tonight! Gosh it looks perfect! PERFECT! I want a nice large slice!
Sascha
Happy Birthday!!
tanya
Well happy birthday!!! My 9 year old hates pizza-I think it’s the cheese. I’m happy to hear there’s hope for her, because I LOVE pizza! Especially homemade. Can’t wait to try your version!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
Awwww! how sweet is your daughter!?? Happy Birthday girly!