Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) store-bought pizza dough or homemade dough if you have it on hand
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dusting
Substitution tip: If you prefer a milder bite, swap the pepperoni for diced ham or cooked sausage. You can also use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a deeper cheese flavor. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza dough at your local store.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things tidy and prevent sticking.
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the pizza dough into a roughly 12×12-inch square. Don’t worry about perfect edges—rustic is part of the charm.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This reminds me of the days I’d sneak a spoonful of Nonna Rosa’s marinara while she stirred the pot, the rich tomato and herbs making the whole kitchen smell like home.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni slices and grated Parmesan. Don’t be shy here—these fillings make the magic happen!
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and garlic powder over the top for that extra burst of flavor that my mom Elena always insists on adding.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, starting from one edge and rolling towards the opposite side. Pinch the seams to seal, then slice into 8 equal pieces.
- Place each slice cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion.
- Brush the tops with olive oil to encourage a golden crust. This little step always reminds me of my grandmother’s gentle hands brushing olive oil on her focaccia, a simple touch that makes all the difference.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through, and the cheese inside is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving with extra warm marinara sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
