Homemade Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza: A Crispy, Cheesy Classic

Nothing beats a hot slice of Homemade Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza fresh out of the oven. With a crisp, golden crust, savory ground beef and pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and a bold tomato sauce, this recipe gives you pizzeria vibes right from your own kitchen. And yes, it’s easier than you think!

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting game night, or just craving comfort food, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you skipping delivery and going homemade every time.

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Why I Love This Recipe

Pizza night is sacred in my house—and once I mastered this crust + topping combo, it instantly became a favorite. The dough is tender but sturdy, the toppings balance salty, savory, and cheesy goodness, and that sizzle as it comes out of the oven? Music to my taste buds.

You get full control of ingredients and freshness, and trust me, once you make this once, there’s no turning back.

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Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1½ cups grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup cooked ground beef
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)

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Ingredient Swaps & Tips

• No instant yeast? Use active dry yeast and let it proof 10 minutes before adding other ingredients.
• Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
• No pizza pan? Use a baking sheet or cast iron skillet for a rustic crust.
• Cheese blend: Mix in cheddar, provolone, or gouda for flavor depth.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, stir warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes to foam.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead until smooth (about 5–7 minutes).
Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Lightly grease a pizza pan or line with parchment.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Punch down risen dough and roll out into a circle or rectangle to your desired thickness.
Transfer to your prepared pan.

4. Add the Toppings

Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough.
Top with mozzarella, then scatter on ground beef and pepperoni. Add green onions if using.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.

6. Slice & Serve

Let cool for a minute, slice it up, and enjoy immediately!

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Tips for Pizza Night Success

• Preheat your oven well for an evenly cooked, crispy crust.
• Don’t overload toppings. Too many can make the crust soggy.
• Brush the edges with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness and color.
• Double the dough. Freeze half for future pizza nights.

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What to Serve With It

This pizza pairs perfectly with fun, cheesy sides and crowd-pleasing dips:

• Beer Cheese Dip – the ultimate dunking companion
• Sheet Pan Quesadillas – easy, cheesy party food
• Dorito Casserole – over-the-top comfort to match the vibe
• Chicken Enchiladas – another great main for feeding a hungry group
• Cheesy Hot Dip – a perfect starter for any pizza party

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Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Wrap leftovers in foil or place in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Best in a toaster oven or skillet to retain crispiness.
• Freezer: Freeze slices on a baking sheet, then store in freezer bags up to 2 months.

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More Cheesy Comforts You’ll Love

• Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• Beer Cheese Dip
• Dorito Casserole

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Final Thoughts

This Homemade Cheese and Pepperoni Pizza is pure comfort food. It’s got that crispy crust, gooey cheese pull, and just the right amount of salty meatiness to satisfy your biggest cravings. Whether it’s pizza night with the family or a solo Friday-night-in, this one hits the spot every single time.

💬 Loved it? Drop your favorite topping combos in the comments, or tag @chefmaniac to show off your masterpiece. And don’t forget to follow us for more cheesy creations and comfort food wins!

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