The Best Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza Recipe For Pizza Night

Crafting the perfect tomato herb pepperoni pizza demands creativity and passion that’ll spark your culinary adventure.

Crisp dough becomes the canvas for a flavor-packed masterpiece waiting to emerge.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside zesty pepperoni, creating a symphony of tastes that tantalize your senses.

Fresh ingredients transform simple components into something extraordinary and memorable.

Layers of carefully selected toppings promise a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond ordinary meal preparation.

Comfort and excitement merge in this delightful dish that you’ll want to share.

Savor each bite and let your taste buds celebrate this delicious culinary creation.

What Makes This Pizza a Herb-Loaded Hit

• Customize with Ease: Switch up toppings, herbs, or cheese to match your mood and create a personalized pizza experience.
• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this pizza brings everyone together with its delicious flavors and simple preparation.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-level pizza without complicated techniques, using basic ingredients and straightforward steps that anyone can master.
• Flavor-Packed Homemade Delight: Combining fresh herbs, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella creates a mouthwatering combination that beats store-bought pizzas every time.

What You Need for That Perfect Crust & Topping

• Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy foundation for the pizza toppings.
• Flour: Helps prevent the dough from sticking during rolling.

• Tomato Sauce: A rich and tangy base that adds moisture and flavor.
• Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder: Herbs and spices that provide classic Italian pizza aromatics and depth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty cheese that creates a classic pizza texture.
• Pepperoni Slices: A spicy and savory meat topping that adds protein and traditional pizza flavor.
• Olive Oil: Adds a rich, smooth finish and helps create a golden crust.
• Fresh Basil: A bright, aromatic herb sprinkled on top for a fresh finish.

How to Build and Bake Like a Pizza Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a blazing 475°F. Slide a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside to get sizzling hot while you prep your pizza masterpiece.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour. Roll out the pizza dough with confident strokes, stretching it into a perfect 12-inch circle that’s thin and ready for toppings.

Step 3: Spread Tangy Sauce Base

Ladle tomato sauce across the dough’s surface, leaving a small naked border around the edges to create that classic crispy crust look.

Step 4: Sprinkle Herbal Seasonings

• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder

Spread these aromatic seasonings evenly to infuse maximum flavor.

Step 5: Layer Cheese and Pepperoni

Generously scatter mozzarella cheese over the herbed sauce. Artfully arrange pepperoni slices across the cheesy landscape.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Drizzle olive oil over the pizza. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 7: Transfer to Hot Surface

Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet, maintaining its perfect circular shape.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling, slightly browned cheese that promises crispy deliciousness.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Pull the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh chopped basil across the top for a burst of bright flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the pizza into wedges and serve piping hot, ready to delight taste buds with every incredible bite.

Tips for Crispy Base and Bold Toppings

• Let the pizza stone or baking sheet heat thoroughly to achieve a crispy, restaurant-style crust with perfect texture.
• Use a light hand when adding olive oil to prevent the pizza from becoming too greasy and maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to add extra depth and complexity to the classic pepperoni pizza.
• Choose high-quality pepperoni and mozzarella for a more authentic and delicious homemade pizza experience.
• For a lighter version, swap regular pepperoni with turkey pepperoni and use part-skim mozzarella to reduce overall calories.

Creative Twists on the Classic Pepperoni Slice

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Replace standard pepperoni with spicy pepperoni and add fresh sliced jalapeños for extra heat and zesty flavor.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap pepperoni for crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and diced roasted red peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired pizza.
• Veggie Lovers: Remove pepperoni and top with sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version packed with colorful vegetables.
• Gourmet Prosciutto: Replace pepperoni with thin slices of prosciutto and add fresh arugula after baking for an elegant, refined pizza experience.

Top Pairings for Herb-Infused Pizza Nights

• Pair Crisp Italian Pinot Grigio: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the pizza's richness, complementing tomato and pepperoni flavors with refreshing acidity.
• Select Bold Red Chianti: Tuscan wine's robust red fruit and spicy notes match perfectly with pepperoni's savory profile and herbal pizza undertones.
• Enjoy Craft Italian Lager: Crisp, clean beer cleanses the palate between bites, balancing the pizza's rich cheese and spicy pepperoni elements.
• Match Sparkling Blood Orange Soda: Bright, tangy citrus drink provides a non-alcoholic option that enhances the pizza's herbal and tomato notes with vibrant sweetness.

How to Keep Leftover Pizza from Turning Soggy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Pizza can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pizza slices on a baking sheet and warm for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps.
• Skillet Method: Warm pizza in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, covering with a lid to help cheese melt evenly and restore crispy bottom.

FAQs for Your Next Homemade Pizza Party

• Why use a pizza stone or preheated baking sheet?

The high heat helps create a crispy, golden crust by mimicking a professional pizza oven and ensuring even cooking from the bottom up.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, dried herbs work well. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil when fresh isn’t available, and sprinkle it over the sauce before adding cheese.

• How thin should I roll the pizza dough?

Roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness, creating a thin, crispy crust that will cook evenly and support the toppings without becoming soggy.

• Is it necessary to leave a border around the edges?

Yes, leaving a small border helps create a defined crust, prevents sauce from burning at the edges, and gives the pizza a traditional, professional appearance.

Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean “Tomato Herb Pepperoni Pizza” brings rustic Italian flavors to your kitchen with crisp crust and zesty toppings. Melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and fresh herbs create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base:

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Primary Toppings:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) pepperoni slices
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves, chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 475°F, positioning a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to intensify heat distribution.
2. Gently stretch the dough on a lightly dusted surface into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide.
3. Ladle tomato sauce across the dough, maintaining a small perimeter for a crisp outer crust.
4. Generously scatter oregano, basil, and garlic powder over the sauce layer to infuse aromatic herbs.
5. Create a uniform cheese foundation using mozzarella, then artfully arrange pepperoni slices across the surface.
6. Enhance flavor by delicately drizzling olive oil and sprinkling salt and pepper.
7. Slide the prepared pizza carefully onto the preheated stone with smooth, confident movements.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden-brown canvas and cheese melts into a bubbling landscape.
9. Extract the pizza from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant finishing touch.
10. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while the pizza radiates warmth and tantalizing aromas.

Notes

• Ensure your pizza stone or baking sheet is super hot before sliding the pizza in for a crispy, restaurant-style crust.
• Use a light hand when adding olive oil to prevent a greasy pizza surface that can make the bottom soggy.
• Fresh herbs make a massive difference – if possible, use freshly chopped basil and oregano instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
• For a lighter version, swap traditional pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or thinly sliced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to reduce calories and add nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg