Description
This easy Sheet Pan Pizza recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy homemade pizza with a perfectly crisp crust, savory tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and flavorful pepperoni. Using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a satisfying four-serving meal in under an hour, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (around 110-115°F)
For the Pizza
- 1 - 1.2 pounds pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the pan)
- 2/3 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 oz pepperoni slices
- Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Pour in the two tablespoons of olive oil and one cup of warm water (110-115°F). Mix until a shaggy ball forms, combining all ingredients into a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix for about 3 minutes until the dough is smooth and forms a cohesive ball. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 15 minutes. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, adding flour as needed until smooth. Cover with a towel or bowl and let it rise for 15 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to heat fully before baking, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Baking Pan: Coat a quarter sheet pan (13” x 9”) with one tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to cover all edges and corners to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Dough: Place the risen dough onto the prepared pan and gently stretch it out evenly. If the dough keeps springing back, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to relax the gluten, then stretch again.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the stretched dough, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and then arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Warm your water to around 110-115°F to activate the yeast effectively without killing it.
- If your dough resists stretching, resting it for 5 minutes helps relax the gluten for easier shaping.
- You can use store-bought pizza dough as a shortcut for this recipe.
- For a crispier bottom crust, place the sheet pan on a lower oven rack.
- Customize toppings to your preference such as adding vegetables or different meats.
