The Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy & Homemade

Pepperoni pizza reigns supreme in the world of comfort food, boasting a perfect balance of bold flavors and irresistible textures.

Passionate food lovers appreciate its universal appeal and crowd-pleasing qualities.

The harmonious blend of crisp crust, melted cheese, and zesty meat creates a delightful culinary experience that transcends ordinary meals.

Italian-inspired ingredients enhance this dish into a mouthwatering masterpiece that sparks joy with every slice.

Its widespread popularity stems from an incredible ability to satisfy diverse taste preferences.

Warm, inviting aromas promise a delectable dining adventure that ignites culinary excitement.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 420°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Slice Bagels

Cut bagels in half, creating perfect pizza bases.

Step 4: Spread the Sauce

Generously spread of prepared sauce on each bagel half.

Step 5: Add Toppings

• Of vegan mozzarella
• 3 slices of vegan pepperoni

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the topped bagel pizzas in the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for the Crispiest, Most Delicious Pepperoni Pizza

• Choose Fresh Bagels: Select fresh, high-quality bagels with a firm texture to prevent sogginess during baking.
• Control Sauce Spread: Use a light hand when spreading sauce to avoid making the bagel base too wet and losing crispness.
• Layer Pepperoni Strategically: Arrange vegan pepperoni slices evenly to ensure each bite has maximum flavor and coverage.
• Monitor Cheese Melting: Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning while achieving perfect cheese melt.
• Experiment with Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings to customize heat and flavor according to personal preference.

How to Keep Your Pepperoni Pizza Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pepperoni pizza bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Reheat in Oven: Warm pizza bagels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Place directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet to restore crispy edges and help cheese melt evenly. This method prevents soggy bottoms and revives the original texture.
• Microwave Option: Quick reheat pepperoni pizza bagels in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed for even heating.

Best Pairings with Pepperoni Pizza

• Sip Sangria Delight: A chilled Spanish red sangria perfectly complements the spicy pepperoni pizza, balancing the rich flavors with its fruity and refreshing profile.
• Pair with Crisp Salad: A light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the pizza's richness, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to each bite.
• Embrace Italian Red Wine: A medium-bodied Chianti or Barbera brings out the pizza's tomato sauce and pepperoni notes, creating a classic flavor harmony that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: A hoppy IPA or amber ale provides a crisp, slightly bitter counterpoint to the pizza's spicy and cheesy elements, making each mouthful more exciting.

Fun Twists on Classic Pepperoni Pizza

• Bagel Pizza Fiesta: Swap vegan pepperoni with black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a southwestern-inspired version that packs a protein punch.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace pepperoni with sliced olives, crumbled feta, and fresh basil leaves to create a Greek-style bagel pizza with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Breakfast Bonanza: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled tofu, spinach, and vegan bacon bits for a morning-friendly pizza that jumpstarts your day with energy.
• Spicy Veggie Blast: Kick up the heat by using jalapeños, adding sriracha sauce to the base, and topping with spicy vegan chorizo crumbles for extra zest.

Pepperoni Pizza: A Timeless Classic

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up these pepperoni pizza bagels in just 15 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger pangs or hosting impromptu gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients effortlessly to match dietary preferences, making this recipe adaptable for vegans, vegetarians, or classic pizza lovers.
• Indulge in Guilt-Free Pleasure: Packed with protein, moderate fiber, and zero cholesterol, these pizza bagels offer a balanced and delicious meal option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You Need for the Best Pepperoni Pizza

• Bagels: A quick and convenient base for mini pizzas, choose fresh and soft bagels for best results.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy foundation for the pizza, look for smooth and well-seasoned varieties.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic pizza seasonings that add depth and warmth to the sauce, use fresh and high-quality spices.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Vegan Mozzarella: Creamy cheese alternative that melts beautifully, select a brand known for good melting properties.
• Vegan Pepperoni: Plant-based protein topping that mimics traditional pepperoni, choose spicy and well-textured varieties.

Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Pepperoni pizza delivers classic Italian-American comfort with crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni slices. Cheese lovers and pizza enthusiasts will savor each delicious bite of this timeless favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 bagels
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella, shredded
• 3 ounces (85 grams) vegan pepperoni
• ⅓ cup tomato sauce

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the center position and preheat to 420°F (215°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine tomato sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently season the sauce mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
3. Carefully slice each bagel horizontally into two equal halves, creating a stable surface for topping.
4. Using a spoon, distribute approximately of the prepared sauce evenly across each bagel half, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Sprinkle of vegan mozzarella cheese over the sauced bagel surfaces, creating a uniform layer.
6. Arrange 3 vegan pepperoni slices strategically on top of the cheese layer, spacing them evenly for balanced coverage.
7. Transfer the prepared bagel pizzas into the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching for the cheese to become completely melted and slightly bubbly with edges turning golden brown.

Notes

• Bagel transformation turns ordinary breakfast bread into a mouthwatering pizza experience.
• Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend snacks when traditional pizza feels too complicated.
• Vegan ingredients deliver bold flavors without compromising taste or texture, making this recipe adaptable for multiple dietary preferences.
• Minimal prep time means you can enjoy delicious pizza-style bites in under 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Customize toppings by adding fresh basil, switching pepperoni brands, or experimenting with different vegan cheese alternatives to suit personal preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 950 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 110g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 0mg