Pepperoni Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut features a generous layer of spicy pepperoni slices atop melted mozzarella cheese and savory tomato sauce, all baked on a golden, crispy crust, delivering a bold and satisfying flavor with every bite.
Equipments
- Oven
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pizza cutter
- Ladle or spoon (for sauce)
- Cheese grater
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 slices pepperoni
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 1 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Using fresh, high-quality pepperoni slices ensures the robust, spicy flavor characteristic of the Pepperoni Lovers Pizza. Mozzarella cheese should be evenly shredded to melt smoothly over the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture. The pizza dough must be properly kneaded and rested to achieve the golden, crispy crust typical of Pizza Hut's style. Olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes add depth and authentic seasoning to your pizza. Replicating Pepperoni Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut's copycat menu at home allows you to enjoy their bold, satisfying flavors with your personalized touch.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C), placing pizza stone or baking tray inside.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
- Transfer rolled dough to a parchment sheet or floured pizza peel.
- Brush dough lightly with olive oil.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough using a ladle or spoon.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices generously on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over toppings.
- Carefully slide pizza onto the preheated stone or tray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes on a cutting board.
- Slice with a pizza cutter, serve, and enjoy.
Substitution
Pepperoni Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut copycat menu features a crispy golden crust layered with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and a generous topping of spicy pepperoni slices. If you don't have pepperoni available, you can substitute it with spicy salami or cooked chorizo for a similar flavor profile. When preparing the dough, using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust, but a baking tray can work if you don't have one. You may adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference to customize the spice level. Your pizza sauce can be swapped with marinara or homemade tomato sauce if store-bought isn't accessible.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your oven with the pizza stone or baking tray inside to ensure the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy. When rolling out your dough, use enough flour on the surface to prevent sticking but avoid over-flouring, which can make the crust tough. Spread the sauce and cheese evenly to avoid soggy spots or uneven cooking. Let your pizza cool for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavor experience for you.
Nutritions
Your Pepperoni Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut provides a rich source of protein and calcium thanks to the generous mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. Each serving supplies significant calories mainly from fats and carbohydrates found in the crust and cheese, contributing to energy intake. The tomato pizza sauce adds lycopene, an antioxidant beneficial for heart health, while oregano and garlic powder contribute small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Be mindful that the pizza is also high in sodium due to processed pepperoni and cheese, which might impact your daily salt consumption.
Storage
Store your leftover Pepperoni Lovers Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Refrigerate at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 3-4 days to avoid spoilage. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag, keeping them fresh for up to 2 months.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary your Pepperoni Lovers Pizza by substituting spicy pepperoni with a mix of Italian sausage and smoked ham for a more diverse meat topping. For a different cheese profile, try blending mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for added richness and depth. Experiment by adding sliced jalapenos or roasted red peppers to elevate the heat and texture while brushing the crust with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a more flavorful finish. Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust, but baking on a preheated cast-iron skillet is an alternative method that can produce a nicely browned base.
Allergies
Pepperoni Lovers Pizza from Pizza Hut contains common allergens such as dairy from the mozzarella cheese and wheat from the pizza dough, which may trigger reactions in individuals with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The pepperoni slices also include spices and preservatives that could cause allergic responses in sensitive individuals. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or certain spices before enjoying this pizza.
Why this recipe?
Pizza Hut's Pepperoni Lovers Pizza menu is popular due to its generous layers of spicy, flavorful pepperoni paired with gooey mozzarella cheese on a perfectly baked crust, delivering a satisfying savory experience. The bold combination of premium pepperoni slices provides a rich taste that stands out among typical pizza options. Making a copycat version allows you to customize toppings and control ingredient quality while recreating the beloved flavor at a fraction of the cost. Your homemade Pepperoni Lovers Pizza can become a crowd-pleaser, capturing the essence of Pizza Hut's classic favorite.