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Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe

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4.1 from 88 reviews

This Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza features a crispy, golden crust topped with a zesty blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, flavorful pepperoni slices, and a smoky, spicy kick from red chili flakes and hot honey. With a homemade dough and balanced seasoning, this pizza offers a perfect combination of heat and savory flavors baked to perfection in a pan for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • ¾ cup warm water (187 ml)
  • 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (6 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (296 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling (20 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings and Sauce

  • 5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
  • 3 ounces shredded mozzarella
  • ¾ cup pizza sauce
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
  • 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
  • 2 tablespoons hot honey

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup warm water, 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active and ready.
  2. Mix the Dough: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until the dough begins to form and then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
  4. Preheat the Pan: Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Lightly grease a cast-iron skillet or heavy oven-safe pan with olive oil and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat for a couple of minutes to get it hot.
  5. Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to the hot pan, stretching and pressing it out evenly to cover the bottom and create slightly raised edges for the crust. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to enhance crispiness.
  6. Assemble the Pizza: Spread ¾ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle 5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar and 3 ounces shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Distribute 3 ounces sliced pepperoni and 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini over the cheese. Finally, sprinkle ½ teaspoon red chili flakes and ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning for a spicy, aromatic finish.
  7. Bake the Pizza: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni is slightly crisp.
  8. Add Hot Honey: Once the pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle 2 tablespoons of hot honey over the top for a sweet and spicy contrast. Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  9. Serve: Slice the pizza and serve hot, enjoying the melty cheese, spicy toppings, and crispy pan crust.

Notes

  • Ensure the water used to activate the yeast is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • For extra crispiness, preheat the cast-iron pan on the stove before placing the dough.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili flakes and hot honey to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
  • You can substitute pepperoncini with banana peppers or jalapeños for different spicy flavors.
  • Leftover pizza can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat to retain crust crispiness.