There are certain foods in this world that never fail to put a smile on your face, and a freshly made proper pepperoni pizza is one of them. It’s that kind of dish that has a universal appeal—comforting, indulgent, and endlessly versatile. But today we’re talking about a particular version: a bubbling hot pizza straight from the oven, topped generously with pepperoni, earthy mushrooms, salty black olives, and a glorious amount of gooey, melted cheese.
The first thing that hits you when this pizza emerges from the oven is the aroma. That combination of smoky pepperoni releasing its oils, mingling with the rich scent of mushrooms, and the faint tang of olives is simply irresistible. And then there’s the cheese—stretching and stringing with every pull of a slice, golden in places, bubbling in others. It’s the very definition of food theatre.
The base, of course, is what holds it all together. A proper pizza dough should have a bit of chew, with a crisp bottom that gives way to a pillowy bite. The slightly charred edges, blistered in the heat, only add character and flavour. Spread over that is a rich tomato sauce, just enough to bring moisture and tang without overwhelming the toppings. Every layer has a job to do, and when they work in harmony, the result is magical.
Pepperoni has long been the star of pizzas for good reason. Those little discs pack a punch of flavour—spicy, smoky, slightly crisped at the edges as they cook. Add mushrooms into the mix, and you get a deep, earthy undertone that balances the richness. Black olives bring a briny, almost fruity bite, cutting through the cheese and pepperoni like a dash of seasoning. And then, of course, there’s the cheese itself, which is not just an ingredient but the glue of the whole dish. It binds everything together while adding that gooey indulgence that makes pizza what it is.
Eating a slice of proper pepperoni pizza is an experience in itself. You pick it up, feel the slight warmth through the crust, and watch as the cheese pulls away in silky strands. The first bite is a burst of flavours: the spiced pepperoni, the savoury mushrooms, the salty olives, all tied together by the creamy richness of cheese. It’s comforting, satisfying, and deeply moreish—before you know it, another slice is already on your plate.
Now, as lovely as pizza is on its own, it becomes even better with the right company—both people and food. Here are some ideas of what to serve alongside this proper pepperoni pizza:
What to Serve with a Proper Pepperoni Pizza:
- Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery, and loaded with garlic. Perfect for mopping up extra sauce or enjoying in between bites.
- Green Salad: A simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pizza. Think crisp lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and maybe some red onions.
- Coleslaw: Creamy or tangy, coleslaw adds crunch and freshness that balances the gooey, cheesy pizza.
- Potato Wedges: Soft on the inside, crisp on the outside, and often seasoned with herbs or spices—these are an indulgent side that pairs beautifully with pizza.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Because when you’re already enjoying melted cheese, why not go all in?
- Chilli Flakes and Dips: Not exactly a side, but having chilli flakes, garlic mayo, or even a spicy tomato dip on hand makes every slice a little more customisable.
The beauty of a proper pepperoni pizza lies in its simplicity. It’s not about reinventing the wheel—it’s about using quality ingredients and letting them shine. A good pizza is more than just dinner; it’s an occasion, a reason to gather around the table, to share slices, stories, and maybe even a debate over who gets the last piece.
So the next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the takeaway and make yourself a proper pepperoni pizza at home. With those delicious toppings, bubbling cheese, and a crust that’s crisp yet chewy, you’ll have a dish that satisfies both heart and stomach. After all, pizza isn’t just food—it’s happiness served in slices.
Proper Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients
- 250 g bread flour strong
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried yeast
- 150 ml warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 150 ml pizza sauce
- 150 g mozzarella cheese grated
- 75 g pepperoni slices
- 75 g mushrooms sliced
- 50 g black olives sliced
- 1 tsp dried oregano optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.250 g bread flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp sugar, 1 tsp dried yeast
- Gradually add warm water and olive oil, bringing it together into a dough.150 ml warm water, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and leave to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a large round base and place on a baking tray or pizza stone.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border.150 ml pizza sauce
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella.150 g mozzarella cheese
- Add pepperoni, mushrooms, and olives.75 g pepperoni, 75 g mushrooms, 50 g black olives
- Top with the remaining cheese and a pinch of oregano if desired.150 g mozzarella cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and melted.
- Slice your proper pepperoni pizza and serve hot.
Notes
- Onions (red or white): Sweet when cooked, they balance the spice of the pepperoni.
- Bell Peppers: Add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of colour.
- Extra Cheese (cheddar, provolone, or parmesan): Doubles down on the indulgence.
- Sausage (Italian or spicy): Brings a deeper, herby flavour.
- Ham or Bacon: Smoky and salty, working in harmony with pepperoni.
- Chicken (grilled or BBQ): A leaner meat that still complements the richness.
- Spinach: Adds a touch of freshness and colour.
- Jalapeños or Chillies: For heat-lovers, they enhance the spice kick.
- Pineapple: Controversial but beloved by many—it gives a sweet contrast to the salty pepperoni.
- Sweetcorn: Adds little bursts of sweetness.
- Goat’s Cheese or Blue Cheese: Adds tang and creaminess.
- Artichokes: A Mediterranean flair with a slightly nutty, tangy note.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Intensifies the tomato flavour with sweetness.
- Fresh Basil or Rocket (added after baking): Fresh, peppery leaves that lift the whole pizza.
18 comments
I’ll be making this version again and again.
The pepperoni had just the right amount of spice, and the mushrooms kept it earthy and grounding. Perfectly satisfying.
The crust was crisp on the bottom but soft and chewy inside—exactly how I like it.
A brilliant combination of flavours.
The whole family gave this pizza a thumbs up. Even the kids loved the mushrooms, which is a rare miracle. Proper comfort food in every sense.
I usually skip olives on pizza, but here they were absolutely essential. Combined with the gooey cheese, they created the perfect bite.
The olives were a great touch—salty, briny, and a little tangy. They really balanced the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
This one’s a keeper.
As someone who loves a meat-heavy pizza, I was surprised how much I enjoyed the balance of flavours.
The mushrooms gave it a savoury depth I didn’t know I needed. Absolutely delicious.
This pizza was everything I hoped for—crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and just the right balance of toppings.
Made this last night and it was delish
The olives gave a perfect salty bite that cut through the richness. A winner for pizza night!
The black olives added such a lovely Mediterranean twist. I could eat this every weekend.
The gooey cheese is the star here—it stretched beautifully with every bite.
Hands down one of the best pizzas I’ve had.
Definitely going on my favourites list.
I’m usually a plain cheese pizza kind of guy, but this combination has converted me. The pepperoni and mushrooms together make each slice hearty and satisfying.