Frederic Melton
A classic pepperoni pizza is a staple for any pizza lover. The traditional toppings for a pepperoni pizza are, of course, pepperoni and cheese. However, there are many ways to elevate this simple pizza. For example, some recipes suggest adding extra pepperoni by chopping it up and adding it in a layer under the cheese with the sauce. This gives the pizza an extra pepperoni kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or mozzarella. Other toppings and ingredients that can enhance the flavour of your pizza include garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, crushed tomatoes with basil, and balsamic vinegar.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dough | Flour, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, oil |
| Sauce | Tomato paste, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, crushed tomatoes |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, fontina, or shredded mozzarella |
| Meat | Pepperoni, sausage, ham, bacon, chicken |
| Vegetables | Bell peppers, yellow peppers, onion, arugula, fresh basil, jalapeño slices, mushrooms, olives |
| Spices | Crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper |
| Other | Cornmeal, flour, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey |
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What You'll Learn
Whether to put pepperoni on top of the cheese or underneath
There are various approaches to the placement of pepperoni on a pizza, with some people preferring to place it on top of the cheese, while others opt for putting it underneath. Ultimately, the decision may depend on personal preference, the desired taste, and the overall appearance of the pizza.
Placing pepperoni on top of the cheese has several advantages. Firstly, it allows the pepperoni slices to receive direct heat from the oven, cooking them just enough to release their essential oils, resulting in enhanced flavour and aroma. This placement also adheres to tradition, as it is the more common approach for pizza toppings. Additionally, having the pepperoni visible on top can improve the pizza's overall appearance, making it more visually appealing to customers or diners.
On the other hand, putting pepperoni under the cheese has its own benefits. By hiding extra pepperoni slices under the cheese, you can intensify the pepperoni flavour without making the pizza too greasy. This technique is especially useful if you want to add a significant amount of pepperoni to your pizza without overwhelming the other toppings. Additionally, placing pepperoni under the cheese can help prevent the toppings from falling off when you take a bite, ensuring a neater eating experience.
Some people even get creative and use a combination of both techniques, adding a layer of pepperoni both under and on top of the cheese. This approach ensures that the pepperoni flavours are well-distributed throughout the pizza, and it can also provide a unique textural contrast between the crispy pepperoni on top and the softer, more tender pepperoni beneath the cheese.
Ultimately, the decision to put pepperoni on top or underneath the cheese depends on your personal preference and the specific characteristics you want to highlight in your pizza. Both methods have their advantages, and experimenting with both can help you discover which approach better suits your taste buds and culinary goals.
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How to make pizza dough
Pizza dough is easy to make at home and requires only a few basic ingredients. The ingredients you will need are flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. You can also add garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cornmeal for extra flavour and crunch.
To make the dough, start by combining 1 cup (125g) of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. If you are using garlic powder and dried basil, add them at this point as well. Then, pour in the water and olive oil and gently mix all the ingredients together by hand or with a hand-held or stand mixer.
Once the dough is mixed, divide it into small balls, depending on how many pizzas you want to make. This amount of dough is enough to make about six to eight medium-sized pizzas. If you are not using the dough right away, cover it with cling film and store it in the fridge.
When you are ready to make your pizza, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is hard to roll, let it rest for a few minutes to come to room temperature. Roll it out to your desired thickness, usually about 0.5 cm thick for a thinner pizza. You can use a rolling pin or your hands to stretch and flatten the dough. Then, use your hands to pinch the edges to make a crust, or fold over the edges for a thicker crust.
Finally, brush the surface of the dough with olive oil and poke holes in the centre with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming while it bakes. Now your pizza dough is ready to be topped and baked!
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How to make pizza sauce
A good pizza sauce is key to a great-tasting pizza. Here is a simple recipe for a no-cook pizza sauce that can be made in just 5 minutes.
Ingredients
- Tomato paste
- Tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Italian seasoning
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Garlic salt
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Mix the tomato paste and tomato sauce/crushed tomatoes in a medium-sized bowl until smooth.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Spread a thick, even layer of sauce on top of your pizza dough, leaving about a 1/4-inch crust around the edges.
- Top with grated cheese and pepperoni.
This recipe makes enough sauce for two large pizzas or four medium-sized pizzas. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months. If you want to make a bigger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.
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How to store pizza
A pepperoni pizza is a delicious treat, but what happens when you have leftovers? Storing pizza correctly will ensure it stays fresh and tasty for longer. Here are some tips on how to store your pizza:
Storing Pizza Dough
If you're making your own pizza dough, it's important to know how to store it properly. You can freeze homemade pizza dough for up to two months. To thaw it, simply leave it in the fridge overnight, and then let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before pressing it into your pan. If you're in a hurry, you can also buy store-bought pizza dough.
Storing Pizza Sauce
Making a big batch of pizza sauce and storing it is a great way to ensure you always have some on hand. You can freeze pizza sauce for up to two months. Just like with the dough, thaw it in the fridge before use. If you're making your sauce ahead of time, it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
Storing Toppings
When it comes to toppings, pepperoni is a favourite for many. You can store pepperoni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Other common pizza toppings, such as bell peppers, can also be stored in the fridge. It's best to use fresh toppings, but if you're on a budget, frozen mixed peppers are a great option.
Storing Cooked Pizza
Now, for the main event—storing your cooked pizza! If you have leftover pizza, it's best to let it cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Your pizza will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheating Pizza
No one likes soggy pizza! If you're reheating your pizza, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soft and soggy. Instead, use a skillet or cast iron pan. Add a drizzle of oil over medium heat, and cook the pizza until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, which should take about three to four minutes.
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How to reheat pizza
While a cold pepperoni cheese pizza is delicious, sometimes you might want to reheat your leftovers to enjoy that restaurant-quality warmth and crispiness. Here are some ways to reheat your pizza:
Using an Oven
One of the best ways to reheat pizza is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Place a sheet pan in the oven while it's preheating, and then put the pizza slices directly on the hot pan. You can also place an oven-safe cooling rack over the sheet pan to lift the pizza off the pan's surface. Foil will give you an even crispier crust, but a baking sheet works fine, too. If you're using a pizza stone, it will take a long time to heat up, so it may not be worth the wait if you only have a few slices.
Using a Stovetop
Reheating pizza in a skillet on the stovetop is a great method, especially if you only have a slice or two and don't want to preheat the oven. Simply arrange the slices in a single layer, cover them with a lid, and warm them on medium heat until the bottoms are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. A cast-iron pan will give you a slightly crispier crust, but a stainless steel or non-stick pan works just as well.
Using a Microwave
If you're short on time, you might be tempted to throw your pizza into the microwave. While this is a quick option, it's unlikely to give you the same crispiness as the oven or stovetop methods. However, you can improve your results by placing a microwave-safe mug or cup of water next to the pizza in the microwave. This helps the pizza heat more evenly and prevents the edges of the crust from hardening. Heat on high for 30 to 45 seconds, keeping a watchful eye on the pizza to check its progress.
Using an Air Fryer
An air fryer is an excellent option for reheating pizza, especially if you're looking for a crispy thin crust. Simply place your pizza slice in the centre of the air fryer and heat for around 2 minutes. However, keep in mind that you can usually only fit one triangular slice at a time, so this method may not be ideal if you're reheating multiple slices.
Now that you know how to reheat your pizza, you can enjoy your pepperoni cheese pizza just the way you like it – warm and crispy!
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Frequently asked questions
The basic ingredients for a pepperoni cheese pizza are dough, sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
You can use sliced provolone cheese, cubed fontina cheese, or shredded mozzarella cheese.
It's up to you! Some people prefer their pepperoni under their cheese, while others prefer it on top. If you want your pepperoni to crisp up, it's better to put it on top.
