BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse features an abundant layer of spicy pepperoni, melted mozzarella cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce atop a golden, crispy crust, delivering a bold and savory flavor explosion with every bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Dough scraper
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Baking sheet or pizza pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (regular)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup spicy pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Use a combination of regular, mini, and spicy pepperoni slices to capture the authentic spicy flavor profile of BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza. Make sure to evenly spread 1 cup of pizza sauce to maintain the perfect balance between the zesty tomato base and the rich melted mozzarella cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese and dried oregano enhance the savory taste, while crushed red pepper flakes add an extra kick. Olive oil brushed on the crust helps achieve a golden, crispy texture. Your homemade version of BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse will deliver the same bold and satisfying flavor that fans love.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Lightly flour surface; roll out pizza dough to desired size using rolling pin.
- Transfer dough to a floured pizza peel or prepared baking sheet/pizza pan.
- Brush olive oil over the edge of the dough.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough using ladle.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Evenly distribute regular, mini, and spicy pepperoni slices on top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Bake in oven for 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove pizza using pizza peel and transfer to cutting board.
- Slice with chef’s knife, serve, and enjoy.
Substitution
BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza copycat recipe allows flexibility in pepperoni types; if spicy or mini pepperoni is unavailable, substitute with regular pepperoni and add extra crushed red pepper flakes to maintain heat. Your choice of pizza sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess based on preference, but avoid overly watery sauces to prevent soggy crusts. Use shredded mozzarella for even melting, but combining part mozzarella with provolone adds a richer flavor profile if desired. If a pizza oven is unavailable, a preheated conventional oven with a pizza stone or baking steel can replicate the high heat environment for a crispy crust. When rolling out dough, lightly flour your surface and rolling pin to avoid sticking, but handle dough gently to preserve its air pockets for a light, airy texture.
Tips
Make sure your pizza dough is at room temperature before rolling to prevent tearing and ensure even stretching. Use a well-floured pizza peel to transfer the pizza easily into the oven without sticking. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary; a golden crust and bubbling cheese signal the pizza is ready. You should brush olive oil on the dough edges to enhance browning and add a subtle flavor boost.
Nutritions
BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza is a calorie-dense meal rich in protein and fats from the combination of pepperoni varieties and mozzarella cheese. One serving typically contains around 350-400 calories, with saturated fats and sodium levels that you should monitor if managing heart health or blood pressure. The pizza provides a good source of calcium from the cheese and some antioxidants from the tomato sauce and oregano, enhancing its nutritional profile. Your enjoyment of this pizza can fit into a balanced diet if portion control and overall nutrient intake are considered.
Storage
Store leftover BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza in an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat your pizza in a pizza oven or conventional oven at 375degF (190degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore its crispy crust and melted cheese texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and preserve the bold flavors of the spicy pepperoni and zesty tomato sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza by swapping out the mozzarella cheese for a blend of mozzarella and provolone, giving a richer, creamier texture. For a healthier twist, try using turkey pepperoni instead of regular pepperoni to reduce fat content while maintaining the bold flavor. Experiment with adding caramelized onions or roasted red peppers before baking to introduce a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness. Using a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet can improve crust crispiness and elevate your pizza baking experience.
Allergies
BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, wheat in the pizza dough, and possibly trace amounts of soy or gluten depending on the dough preparation. The inclusion of multiple types of pepperoni could also pose a risk for those with meat or spice sensitivities, as processed meats sometimes contain preservatives or fillers. You should verify ingredient details with BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse if you have specific food allergies to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
BJ's Pepperoni Extreme Pizza from BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse stands out due to its generous layering of premium pepperoni slices, rich mozzarella cheese, and a perfectly baked hand-stretched crust. The combination of savory, spicy flavors and a crispy yet chewy texture creates a satisfying and memorable pizza experience. Crafting a copycat version allows you to customize ingredient quality and portion sizes to your preference, delivering restaurant-quality flavor at home. Your homemade pizza can mirror the indulgent taste and freshness that BJ's is celebrated for, making it a worthwhile culinary project.