Savor the rich flavor and bubbling cheese in this 25-minute pepperoni pizza—quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.

This pepperoni pizza recipe blends melty mozzarella, zesty sauce, and golden dough for a fast and flavorful meal that tastes like a slice of pizzeria heaven.

What You’ll Need for Pepperoni Pizza Perfection

Pizza dough – A pliable base that bakes into a chewy, golden crust; store-bought or homemade dough both work beautifully.
Pizza sauce – A seasoned tomato layer that brings tang and depth to every bite.
Pepperoni slices – Salty, slightly spicy rounds that crisp as they bake and deliver that classic pizzeria aroma.
Mozzarella cheese – Melted to perfection, it creates that irresistible cheese pull and rich flavor.
Black pepper – Adds a hint of heat and balances the richness of the cheese.
Fresh oregano (optional) – A fragrant herb that brightens and complements the savory toppings.
Flour – Used for rolling the dough and keeping it from sticking to surfaces.

How to Make This Easy Pepperoni Pizza

Begin with a hot oven to ensure a golden crust. Roll the dough thin, then layer with sauce, chopped and whole pepperoni slices, and plenty of mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pepperoni Pizza

To avoid soggy slices, use a light hand with the sauce and layer the cheese evenly. Chopping half the pepperoni before baking ensures each bite gets a balanced mix of toppings. For extra flavor, brush the crust with honey butter before serving.

Best Way to Store Leftover Pepperoni Pizza

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a skillet to restore crispiness. You can freeze slices individually, then reheat from frozen in a hot oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
Yes, but freshly grated melts more evenly and gives better flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have a pizza stone?
A preheated cast-iron skillet or a baking sheet turned upside down works well.

Can I use a different sauce?
Absolutely. Marinara or even a garlic cream base works if you want to change up the flavor.

How can I make the crust crispier?
Roll the dough thinner and bake on a very hot surface like a stone or cast iron, and avoid overloading with sauce.

25-Minute Pepperoni Pizza

A swift and satisfying classic, this pepperoni pizza comes together in just under half an hour. Perfectly chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni slices make this a favorite go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. For extra convenience, opt for your favorite jarred pizza sauce in place of homemade.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh oregano optional
18 to 20 slices pepperoni
1/2 cup pizza sauce or substitute with Quick Pizza Sauce below
Flour for shaping and rolling dough
16 ounces pizza dough store-bought or homemade
12 ounces mozzarella cheese grated

For the Quick Pizza Sauce:

1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup tomato sauce no salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

For the Honey Butter (Optional “Dad Add”):

2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup softened butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 500°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven and allow it to heat for at least 20 minutes for optimal crispiness.
To prepare the sauce, if making from scratch, thoroughly combine tomato sauce with kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a bowl. This quantity suffices for one pizza and can be doubled if needed.
On a floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a circle approximately 14 inches in diameter. If the dough resists stretching, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to soften.
Transfer the rolled dough onto a lightly floured pizza peel or fit into a large cast-iron skillet. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a 1/4-inch border for the crust.
Roughly chop half of the pepperoni and scatter it over the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, then arrange the remaining whole pepperoni slices. Season with ground black pepper and, if desired, fresh oregano.
Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Notes

To enhance flavor, serve with a dollop of honey butter by combining softened butter with honey and spreading it on the crust edges just before serving.