Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to Italian-American pizza perfection! This legendary pepperoni pizza recipe, inspired by Catherine Scorsese (yes, the mother of famous director Martin Scorsese), is about to become your new go-to comfort food. With a crispy golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly spiced pepperoni, this pizza isn't just a meal—it's a slice of pure deliciousness that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 1 pizza
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to ensure it gets thoroughly hot.
- Remove the pizza dough from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to stretch and shape.
- Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour. Gently stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch circular shape, using your hands to carefully spread it out. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes.
- Transfer the stretched dough onto a pizza pan or a piece of parchment paper if using a pizza stone.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese uniformly over the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the sliced pepperoni across the cheese, distributing them evenly to ensure each slice will have pepperoni.
- Sprinkle the dried oregano over the top of the pizza for added flavor.
- Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice the pizza into 8 equal triangular pieces and serve hot.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F for that perfect crispy crust.
- Dough Handling: Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to make stretching easier.
- Cheese Distribution: Spread mozzarella evenly to guarantee a consistent, melty texture in every bite.
- Pepperoni Placement: Arrange pepperoni slices strategically to ensure each slice has maximum flavor.
- Resting Period: Allow the pizza to rest 2-3 minutes after baking to let the cheese set and make slicing easier.
- Optional Upgrade: Sprinkle a little extra dried oregano or fresh basil after baking for an aromatic finish.Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, consider using a pizza stone and preheating it in the oven before baking your pizza.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 250g
Protein: 110g
Fat: 120g
Saturated Fat: 55g
Cholesterol: 280mg
