BEST-EVER PEPPERONI PIZZA

Best-Ever Pepperoni Pizza image

You'll love working with the dough, the cheesy surprise inside the crust and the jazzed-up sauce in this pie. -Scottie Orr-Wedeven, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 slices.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 package (1/4 ounce) quick-rise yeast
1 cup warm water (120° to 130°)
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
4 pieces string cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
SAUCE:
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
TOPPINGS:
1 package (3 ounces) sliced pepperoni
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

Steps:

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, salt, 2 tablespoons oil and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky)., Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Cover and let rest 10 minutes., On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 15-in. circle. Transfer to a greased 14-in. pizza pan, letting dough drape over the edge. Cut string cheese pieces in half lengthwise; place around edge of pan. Fold dough over string cheese; pinch to seal., Prick dough thoroughly with a fork. Brush with remaining oil; sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake at 425° for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown., In a small saucepan, combine the sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Spread over crust. Arrange pepperoni over top; sprinkle with Italian cheese blend. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 392 calories, Fat 19g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 39mg cholesterol, Sodium 879mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 16g protein.