Homemade Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients

• •¾ tsp active dry yeast
• •4¾ tbsp warm water
• •⅞ cup bread flour
• •⅛ tsp salt
• •¾ tsp granulated sugar
• •3½ tsp olive oil, divided
• •⅓ cup pizza sauce
• •⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• •7 slices pepperoni
• •1¼ tbsp grated parmesan

Method

Adapted from the Armed Forces Recipe Service

1. 1Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the warm water (105-115°F) in a small bowl.
2. 2Let the yeast mixture stand 5 minutes, until foamy.
3. 3In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, salt, and sugar.
4. 4Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
5. 5Pour the foamy yeast mixture and 2 tsp of the olive oil into the well.
6. 6Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
7. 7Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
8. 8Knead the dough 5-6 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
9. 9Shape the dough into a ball.
10. 10Brush a large bowl with ½ tsp of the olive oil.
11. 11Place the dough ball in the oiled bowl.
12. 12Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
13. 13Preheat the oven to 475°F (conventional).
14. 14Let the dough rise in a warm spot 45-60 minutes, until roughly doubled in size.
15. 15Punch down the risen dough.
16. 16On a floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 9-10 inch round.
17. 17Brush a sheet pan or pizza pan with ½ tsp of the olive oil.
18. 18Transfer the dough round to the pan.
19. 19Press the dough out to an even 9-10 inch round on the pan, leaving the outer ½ inch slightly thicker for the crust.
20. 20Brush the top of the dough with ½ tsp of the olive oil.
21. 21Spread ⅓ cup of the pizza sauce in a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
22. 22Scatter the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
23. 23Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
24. 24Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the top.
25. 25Bake 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
26. 26Remove the pizza from the oven.
27. 27Let the pizza rest 3 minutes.
28. 28Cut the pizza into 4 slices.
29. 29Serve.