Homemade Pepperoni Pizza Recipe (Crispy Deep Crust)

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This is the best pepperoni pizza recipe and is my all-time favorite. I could easily eat it every day and not get tired of it. The combination of cheese, pepperoni, and tomato sauce is perfection. Plus, the crust is so thick and fluffy that it’s impossible to resist.

Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s the perfect food. Delicious, filling, and universally loved. There are so many different types of pizza out there that it can be hard to decide on a favorite. But for me, nothing beats a good old-fashioned deep-dish pepperoni pizza on pizza night.

Want more delicious pepperoni recipes to try out?  Make some simple and delicious Pepperoni Pizzadilla with leftover pepperoni. Or, for a warmer day, try making this Cold Italian Tortellini Salad Recipe with Pepperoni for a great lunch option.

If you love pizza, you may enjoy this Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pull-Apart Monkey Bread recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

• Cheap to make this takeout treat at home and save your hard-earned cash.
• The best thing about deep-dish pizza is the thick, buttery, flaky crust, which is what makes people go crazy for it.
• This dish takes almost no time to make and will satisfy your pizza craving in minutes flat.

What’s in This Pepperoni Pizza Recipe?

• Store-bought pizza dough: Conveniently found in your local market’s deli section, store-bought pizza dough is the perfect base for those looking to enjoy the best homemade pizza without the hassle of making dough from scratch.
• Pizza sauce: This tomato-based sauce is rich and flavorful, acting as the perfect complement to the toppings and ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
• Pepperoni: Thinly sliced, this spicy and slightly smoky cured meat is a classic pizza topping that adds a kick of flavor and a touch of indulgence to every slice.
• Shredded mozzarella: Known for its excellent melting qualities, shredded mozzarella cheese creates a gooey, stringy layer that’s essential for any pizza.
• Fresh mozzarella, sliced: Adding slices of fresh mozzarella provides pockets of creamy texture and a fresh, milky taste that elevates your favorite pizzas to gourmet levels.
• Garlic cloves, crushed: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor that infuses the pizza with a subtle hint of sharpness, balancing the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil before baking brings out the flavors of the toppings and helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves lend a peppery, slightly sweet flavor and a burst of color, enhancing the overall freshness of the pizza.
• Italian seasoning or pizza seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, including oregano, thyme, and basil, adds depth and an authentic Italian flavor to the sauce and toppings.
• Flour: Used for dusting the surface before rolling out your pizza dough, flour ensures a non-stick process and contributes to the final crispness of the pizza crust.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Be creative with the toppings of your choice, I used a pepperoni stick and chopped it as it builds better for the deep dish pizza layers. 
• It is also optional for those who are not fond of garlic. You can skip the garlic if you prefer.
• I use a mix of shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella since I love the taste of both. You can use pre-shredded instead of both if you prefer. 
• Also, if you cannot find a pepperoni stick, you can substitute it with pre-packaged pepperoni slices.

How To Make Cast Iron Skillet Pizza Recipe Step by Step

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush cast-iron skillet with olive oil and dust with flour. (Photo 1)
2. If your pizza dough is not pre-rolled, use a floured surface and roll the dough out to fit your cast iron skillet.
3. Press the pizza dough into the bottom and up the sides of the skillet, approximately halfway up. (Photo 2)
4. Brush the dough with olive oil and crushed garlic. Do not add any pizza toppings yet. Bake for 18-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden. (Photo 3)
5. While the crust bakes, chop the pepperoni into two small piles and set aside. (Photo 4)

1. Once the crust is golden brown, take it out of the oven. (Photo 5)
2. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust. (Photo 6)
3. Add one half of the chopped pepperoni, then half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. (Photo 7)
4. Add the remaining chopped pepperoni (optional: save some to sprinkle on top before the final bake). (Photo 8)

1. Add the rest of the shredded mozzarella, then evenly place the fresh mozzarella slices around and add the fresh basil. (Photo 9)
2. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top of the cheese, adding the leftover chopped pepperoni if saved.
3. Bake the pizza with toppings for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted.
4. For toasted spots on your cheese, broil the pizza for 1-2 minutes.
5. Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before cutting pizza slices. This ensures toppings and cheese stay in place. (Photo 10)

Recipe Tips

• Pan: For this recipe, I used a 10” cast iron skillet pan; any deep dish pizza pan can be used. 
• Pizza Dough:  I used pre-rolled-out dough from the bakery at my local grocery store; most have this option if you ask. As an alternative, Walmart bakery has an excellent pizza dough sold by the bag and you can roll it out yourself. Most pizza joints will allow you to purchase pre-made pizza dough as well
• Rolling Dough: If your dough is too elastic and shrinks back when you try to roll it, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This relaxation time helps the gluten relax and makes the dough easier to shape.
• Cheese Layering: To achieve a balance of flavors and ensure that every bite is cheesy, layer some of the cheese directly on the dough before adding other toppings. This creates a barrier that helps to keep the dough crisp.
• Pre-baking Crust: For an extra crispy bottom and edges, consider pre-baking the pizza dough for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. This method helps to prevent soggy crust, especially when using moist toppings.
• Baking Temperature and Time: Keep an eye on the pizza in the final minutes of baking. Ovens can vary, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to achieve the perfect level of doneness.
• Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil after baking rather than before to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor, as high heat can cause it to wilt and lose some of its brightness.
• Skillet Preheat: For a beautifully crispy crust, preheat your cast-iron skillet in the oven as it warms up. Carefully place the dough in the hot skillet to start cooking the bottom crust immediately.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While this recipe is optimized for making pizza in a cast iron skillet, which provides a wonderfully crispy crust and evenly melted cheese, alternative cooking methods can still produce delicious results. 

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can adapt the recipe for a conventional oven with a baking sheet or pizza stone. Ensure your oven is preheated to a high temperature to mimic the heat distribution of a cast iron skillet. 

Storing Tips 

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container for no longer than three to four days in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the tastiness of the recipe, consider serving your cast iron skillet pizza with a side of loaded potato salad or something tangy like a tomato salad with balsamic dressing. 

For an added touch of indulgence, garlic bread rolls or cheesy pull apart bread make for a perfect companion, offering a delightful contrast in textures. 

Recipe FAQs

More Great Pizza Recipes You Will Love

• Easy Homemade Baked Pizza Rolls
• Air Fryer Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizzadilla
• Lunch Box Mini Pizzas
• See all our delicious dinner recipes!

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