homemade pizza with pepperoni in Italian style
Homemade Pepperoni Pizza in Italian Style
Who doesn't love a delicious pizza, freshly baked, with enticing aromas and appetizing toppings? This homemade pepperoni pizza recipe in Italian style is perfect for a weekend evening, a party with friends, or simply to enjoy a special moment with loved ones. You will discover not only how to prepare the perfect dough but also how to combine the ingredients to create a truly exceptional pizza.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Ingredients for the dough:
- 400 g of flour (ideally, use type 00 flour for a finer texture)
- 30 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/4 l lukewarm water (approximately 37-40 degrees Celsius)
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Ingredients for the toppings:
- 200 g tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 150 g pepperoni (or spicy salami)
- 100 g grated Parmesan
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 100 g black olives, pitted
- 100 g mushrooms, sliced
- 100 g corn (optional)
- A drizzle of olive oil
Step by step
1. Preparing the dough
The first essential step is to prepare the dough. In a small bowl, combine fresh yeast with sugar, a teaspoon of flour, and lukewarm water. Gently mix and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active and ready to use.
2. Forming the dough
In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Start mixing with a wooden spoon, then knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
3. Rising the dough
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 40 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.
4. Preheating the oven
While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 250-300°C (400-450°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up, as this will help achieve a crispy crust.
5. Forming the pizza base
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to shape it into a round sheet about 1.5 cm thick. Transfer the dough to a pizza tray or directly onto a cast iron plate.
6. Adding the toppings
Spread a generous layer of tomato paste over the dough, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle oregano and basil, then add slices of pepperoni, red onion, olives, mushrooms, and corn, if desired. Finally, add the grated Parmesan and drizzle everything with a touch of olive oil.
7. Baking the pizza
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy. This is the moment when the aroma will fill the entire house, and you will be tempted to prepare your plate already.
8. Serving
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it. Serve it warm, ideally alongside a fresh salad or a red wine. You can sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for an elegant look and extra aroma.
My personal tip
If you want an easier version, you can use pre-made dough. When it comes to toppings, be creative! You can add fresh vegetables or different cheeses, such as mozzarella for a creamier pizza.
Nutritional benefits
This homemade pepperoni pizza offers a healthy balance of carbohydrates from the dough, proteins from cheese and meat, and vitamins from vegetables. Besides being delicious, the pizza can be adapted to your dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use 10 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour and proceed according to the instructions.
2. How can I make the pizza crispier?
Make sure the oven is well preheated and use a pizza stone. Bake the pizza at the highest temperature possible.
3. What is the best way to store leftover pizza?
Wrap the pizza in cling film and keep it in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
4. What drink pairs best with this pizza?
A pale beer or a dry red wine are excellent choices to complement the meal.
Veggie option
If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the pepperoni with grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. The result will be a pizza full of flavors and colors.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to try this homemade pepperoni pizza recipe in Italian style. Cook with love and savor every bite! This recipe is not just about eating, but also about sharing beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 400 g of flour, 30 g of yeast, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1/4 L of warm water, 1 tablespoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of oil, topped with tomato paste + oregano + basil, ham, parmesan, olives, red onion, mushrooms, corn.
