ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza from Little Caesars features a generous layer of zesty pepperoni atop a golden, crispy crust, smothered with extra mozzarella cheese that melts into a savory, cheesy delight with every bite.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Dough mixer
- Dough roller or rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Pizza pan or screen
- Cheese grater
- Sauce ladle
- Ingredient storage bins
- Work table
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
Use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best melt and flavor, ensuring it's evenly shredded to cover the pizza thoroughly. When handling the dough, dust your work table and pizza peel with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy crust. The pepperoni slices should be evenly distributed to create that iconic spicy taste in every bite. Your pizza sauce should be spread thinly to avoid sogginess but still provide a rich, tangy base. This copycat ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza from Little Caesars captures the generous layers of pepperoni and extra mozzarella cheese that make the original so irresistible.
Instructions
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C); dust pizza pan or screen with cornmeal or flour.
- Roll out pizza dough on a floured work table using dough roller, forming a 14-inch circle.
- Transfer dough to prepared pizza pan or screen using pizza peel.
- Brush dough lightly with olive oil.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over dough using sauce ladle, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and dried oregano over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese over sauce.
- Arrange sliced pepperoni generously over the cheese.
- Use pizza peel to place pizza in preheated oven; bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove pizza with pizza peel and let cool slightly on work table.
- Use pizza cutter to slice and serve.
Substitution
Making a homemade ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza from Little Caesars lets you recreate the restaurant's signature crispy crust and extra cheesy, pepperoni-loaded flavor. If fresh pizza dough isn't available, store-bought dough or pre-made pizza crusts make convenient substitutions without sacrificing texture. You can substitute mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a more complex cheesy taste while maintaining meltability. When using a conventional oven instead of a pizza oven, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel to mimic the high heat and crispy bottom. Your pizza peel is essential for transferring the pizza, but a flat baking sheet can temporarily replace it if necessary.
Tips
Dust your work surface and pizza pan generously with cornmeal or flour to prevent the dough from sticking during rolling and transfer. Roll the dough into an even 14-inch circle for consistent cooking and to avoid uneven crust thickness. When spreading sauce, leave a small border around the edges to prevent sogginess and ensure a crispy crust. Allow the pizza to cool slightly after baking to let the cheese set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Nutritions
Your ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza from Little Caesars packs around 350-400 calories per slice, primarily from carbohydrates and fats due to the dough and cheese. Pepperoni contributes protein and saturated fat, while mozzarella cheese offers calcium and additional protein. The olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, enhancing the overall nutritional profile. This pizza provides a satisfying balance of macronutrients but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its high sodium and calorie content.
Storage
To store your ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza, wrap leftover slices tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for 8-10 minutes using a pizza pan or screen to restore the crispy crust and melty cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
You can customize your ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza by swapping traditional mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer, creamier texture. Experiment with adding sliced jalapenos or banana peppers atop the pepperoni to introduce a spicy kick that complements the zesty flavors. For a crunchier crust, try par-baking the rolled dough for 5 minutes before adding the sauce and toppings. Using a pizza stone instead of a pan can also enhance heat distribution, resulting in a crispier, evenly cooked crust.
Allergies
The ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and gluten from the pizza dough. Pepperoni may contain preservatives or spices that can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Your best option is to check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or certain spices.
Why this recipe?
ExtraMostBestest Pepperoni Pizza from Little Caesars boasts an impressive amount of pepperoni, delivering a bold and satisfying flavor that pizza lovers crave. The generous layer of pepperoni, paired with a perfectly baked crust and rich mozzarella cheese, creates a deliciously balanced taste experience. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize toppings and sauce, replicating the signature flavor while tailoring it to Your personal preferences. This pizza's distinctive variety and hearty ingredient combination make it a favorite, worth recreating at home.