Spicy Pepperoni Pizza from Donatos Pizza features a golden, crispy crust topped with zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and generous slices of spicy, flavorful pepperoni, creating a bold and savory taste experience.
Equipments
- Oven
- Pizza peel
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Spoon or ladle (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1 cup zesty tomato pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 oz (170g) spicy pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ensure your pizza dough is fresh or properly thawed for a crisp golden crust similar to Donatos Pizza. Use zesty tomato sauce with a balanced blend of herbs and spices to replicate the bold flavor profile. Shredded mozzarella cheese should be evenly distributed to achieve a perfect melt without excess grease. Spicy pepperoni slices must be high-quality and spicy enough to match the original bold taste. You can recreate the Spicy Pepperoni Pizza from Donatos Pizza copycat menu at home by following these ingredient guidelines for an authentic, savory experience.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C), placing pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Lightly flour surface and roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Transfer rolled dough onto a floured pizza peel.
- Brush dough with olive oil.
- Spread tomato pizza sauce evenly over dough using a spoon or ladle.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over sauce.
- Arrange spicy pepperoni slices generously over cheese.
- Carefully slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–14 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove pizza from oven with pizza peel.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice with pizza cutter.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Substitution
The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza copycat recipe replicates Donatos Pizza's iconic combination of a crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, and spicy pepperoni for an authentic bold flavor. If you cannot find spicy pepperoni, you can substitute regular pepperoni and add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to achieve a similar heat level. When forming the pizza dough, using a pizza stone instead of a baking sheet enhances crust crispiness by evenly distributing heat. Mozzarella cheese can be replaced with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer, creamier texture without overpowering the spicy profile. Your choice of sauce thickness impacts bake time, so adjust oven settings to prevent sogginess or overcooked edges.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your oven thoroughly to 475degF (245degC) with the pizza stone or baking sheet inside for an evenly cooked crust. Lightly flouring your surface and pizza peel helps prevent the dough from sticking while rolling and transferring. When spreading the tomato sauce, avoid applying too much to keep the crust crisp, and distribute the mozzarella cheese evenly for balanced melting. Use your pizza cutter on a cool surface after allowing the pizza to rest for a few minutes to ensure clean slices without sogginess.
Nutritions
Your Spicy Pepperoni Pizza provides a substantial source of protein from the pepperoni and mozzarella cheese, supporting muscle repair and growth. The golden crust delivers carbohydrates, essential for energy replenishment during daily activities. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while tomato sauce contributes antioxidants like lycopene, promoting overall health. This combination makes the pizza a rich, flavorful meal with a balance of macronutrients.
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Pepperoni Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Refrigerate your pizza within two hours of baking and consume it within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. To reheat, use an oven or toaster oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness without sacrificing flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap spicy pepperoni with chorizo or spicy Italian sausage for a different kick. For a crispier crust, try par-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. If you prefer richer flavor, substitute some mozzarella with provolone or smoked gouda. To enhance the sauce, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika.
Allergies
The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza contains common allergens such as milk from the shredded mozzarella cheese and wheat from the pizza dough, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The pepperoni and tomato sauce could also contain preservatives or spices that may cause allergic responses in some people. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have food allergies or intolerances.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Pepperoni Pizza from Donatos Pizza restaurant is popular for its bold blend of zesty pepperoni slices layered over a perfectly crispy crust with a rich, tangy tomato sauce. Its unique balance of heat and savory flavors creates a satisfying taste experience that appeals to spice lovers and pizza enthusiasts alike. You can recreate this pizza at home, customizing the spice level and ingredients to match your preferences, offering a cost-effective and rewarding alternative. Making the copycat version allows you to enjoy a beloved menu item while experimenting with fresh, high-quality ingredients tailored to your taste.