Description
This Sheet Pan Pizza recipe offers a quick and easy method to enjoy homemade pizza with a crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. Perfect for busy weeknights, the dough comes together quickly and is baked on a sheet pan for a perfectly golden crust and bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup warm water (around 110-115°F)
For the Pizza
- 1 - 1.2 pounds pizza dough (store bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2/3 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz pepperoni
- Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt to combine the dry ingredients.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the warm water. Mix these ingredients until a shaggy ball of dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and forms a cohesive ball. If mixing by hand, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, incorporating more flour as needed to prevent stickiness.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl or dough with a towel and let it rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten, which will make stretching easier.
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Lightly coat a quarter sheet pan (13” x 9”) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to cover the edges and corners thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Pizza Base: Place the risen dough onto the greased pan. Gently stretch the dough to cover the pan evenly. If the dough resists stretching and keeps shrinking back, allow it to rest for 5 more minutes before trying again.
- Add Toppings: Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the stretched dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the pepperoni slices.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the crust turns a golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Using warm water between 110-115°F is crucial for activating the yeast effectively without killing it.
- Letting the dough rest while stretching helps relax gluten, making shaping easier and preventing shrinkage.
- If you prefer, store-bought dough can be used to save time.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice sharp finish to the pizza.
- Make sure to oil the pan adequately to prevent the pizza from sticking during baking.