- Step 1: Prepare the Dough (10 minutes active, 1 hour rising)
1.In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2.Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3.Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
4.Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Step 2: Make the Sauce (5 minutes)
1.In a small bowl, mix crushed tomatoes with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
2.Set aside to let flavors meld. - Step 3: Assemble the Pizza (10 minutes)
1.Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
2.Roll out the dough into a 9–10 inch round base.
3.Place on a lightly greased baking sheet or pizza stone.
4.Spread sauce evenly over the dough.
5.Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6.Add pepperoni slices on top.
7.Add parmesan cheese or basil if desired. - Step 4: Bake (12–15 minutes)
1.Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Step 5: Serve (2–3 minutes)
1.Let it cool for 2 minutes.
2.Slice and enjoy! - Total Time Breakdown
Dough Prep & Rise: 1 hour 10 minutes
Sauce & Topping Prep: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 12–15 minutes
Cooling & Serving: 2–3 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 30 minutes - Tips for All Age Groups
Kids: Can enjoy it with less pepperoni or extra cheese.
Adults: Add chili flakes or olives for extra flavor.
Seniors: Use low-sodium cheese and turkey pepperoni for a lighter version. - Toppings
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10–12 slices of pepperoni
1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Calories:520–580 kcal
- Carbohydrates:48–52 g
- Protein:22–26 g
- Fat:25–28 g
- Saturated Fat:10–12 g
- Sodium:950–1100 mg
- Fiber:2–3 g
- Sugar:3–4 g
- Calcium:200–250 mg
The Especially Pepperoni Pizza Recipe for one is a delightful, accessible, and family-friendly dish designed to cater to Americans of all ages, from children to seniors. This recipe yields a 9-inch pizza with a soft, chewy crust, mild flavors, and balanced nutrition, making it an ideal choice for a quick meal or a fun cooking activity. Its versatility, moderate portion size, and thoughtful ingredient choices ensure it appeals to diverse palates and dietary needs while maintaining the classic appeal of a pepperoni pizza.
Ingredients and Customization
The recipe is divided into two main components: the dough and the toppings. The dough is made from simple pantry staples—3/4 cup all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, and olive oil—creating a soft, easy-to-chew base suitable for young children and seniors. The toppings feature 1/4 cup low-sodium pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes, 3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, and 8-10 slices of turkey pepperoni, which is milder and lower in fat than traditional pepperoni, ensuring digestibility and broad appeal. An optional 1/4 cup of finely diced bell peppers adds color, flavor, and a boost of vitamin C, making the pizza more nutritious and visually engaging, especially for kids. These ingredients are carefully selected to be kid-friendly, heart-healthy, and accommodating for those with dietary restrictions, with options for gluten-free or dairy-free substitutions.
Preparation Process
The preparation is straightforward, taking about 1 hour and 50 minutes total, with 35 minutes of active work. The dough requires 15 minutes to mix and knead, followed by a 1-hour rise, making it a fun activity for kids to participate in under supervision. The toppings are prepped in 10 minutes, and the dough is shaped into a 9-inch circle for a slightly thicker, softer crust. Assembly involves spreading sauce, sprinkling oregano and salt, adding cheese, and arranging pepperoni and optional bell peppers, followed by a drizzle of olive oil. Baking at 450°F for 12-14 minutes ensures a gentle cook, resulting in a golden crust and bubbly cheese. The pizza is cooled briefly and sliced into small pieces for safe, easy eating.
Nutritional Balance
With approximately 520 calories, 23g protein, 18g fat (7g saturated), 70g carbohydrates, and 850mg sodium per serving, this pizza is nutritionally balanced for all ages. The use of turkey pepperoni and low-sodium sauce reduces fat and salt, while optional bell peppers increase fiber and vitamins. This makes it suitable for children, who need nutrient-dense meals, and seniors, who may require lower sodium and softer textures.
Appeal and Tips
The recipe’s mild flavor and soft crust make it a hit across generations. Kids enjoy the familiar pepperoni taste, while adults and teens appreciate the customizable toppings. For a quicker option, store-bought dough cuts prep time to 20 minutes. This Especially Pepperoni Pizza is perfect for family nights, offering a delicious, inclusive, and nutritious meal that everyone can enjoy.
