If you’ve ever dreamed of combining bold, zesty flavors with the comforting chewyness of homemade crust, this Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. This pizza perfectly balances a crispy, golden pan-fried dough with layers of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, all enhanced by the punch of red chili flakes and hot honey’s sweet heat. Every bite bursts with personality, making it a standout twist on a classic beloved dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s giving the dough its airy texture, adding a zingy kick, or building that irresistibly melty cheese layer.
- ¾ cup warm water (187 ml): Just the right temperature to activate the yeast and help your dough rise perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (6 grams): The magic behind the airy, fluffy crust with just a little patience.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the spices.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (296 grams): Forms the sturdy, soft foundation of your pizza dough.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling (20 grams): Provides tenderness to the dough and a lovely golden crust when pan-fried.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and strengthens the dough’s structure.
- 5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar: Brings a bold, tangy flavor to the cheesy topping.
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully and offers that classic gooey texture.
- ¾ cup pizza sauce: A rich, savory base that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes: Introduces a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant herbal note reminiscent of traditional pizza flavor.
- 3 ounces sliced pepperoni: The smoky, slightly spicy star topping that pizza dreams are made of.
- 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini: A tangy crunch that contrasts the other savory ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: Drizzled on top to give a surprising sweet heat finish that lingers deliciously.
How to Make Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl; allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until it’s foamy. This shows your yeast is active and ready to work its magic. Then, mix in the flour, olive oil, and salt. Knead the dough gently on a floured surface until smooth and elastic—about 7–10 minutes. Transfer it to an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for at least an hour until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Form the Pan Crust
Once your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a well-oiled pizza pan or cast iron skillet. Press and stretch it evenly across the pan, making sure the edges are slightly raised to hold the toppings. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra crispness. Let it rest for 15 minutes so the dough puffs slightly and develops that perfect pan pizza bite.
Step 3: Layer on the Sauce and Cheese
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, but don’t overload it—that balance is key. Next, sprinkle the sharp cheddar and mozzarella blends over the sauce, covering the whole surface generously. The sharp cheddar adds a punch while mozzarella ensures every slice holds together with ooey-gooey goodness.
Step 4: Add the Spicy Toppings
Carefully place the sliced pepperoni over the cheese, then scatter the sliced pepperoncini for a tangy surprise in each bite. Sprinkle in the red chili flakes and Italian seasoning to distribute the heat and herbal notes evenly. This layer is where your Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe really starts to shine.
Step 5: Cook to Perfection
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes until the crust is golden, the cheese is bubbling, and the edges of the pepperoni are crisp. Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle the hot honey over the top for that irresistible sweet-heat finish that makes this pizza truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens up the rich, spicy flavors and adds a beautiful pop of color. If you like an extra punch, a few fresh chili slices or a dusting of Parmesan cheese can elevate the experience even further.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe on a wooden pizza board with parchment paper underneath for a rustic vibe that invites people to dig right in. For a crowd, slice it into manageable squares and offer small bowls of extra hot honey or chili oil for dipping. This presentation is as fun as the flavor explosion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining its spicy, melty goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen pizza slices keep well for up to two months and make an easy quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices in a hot skillet over medium heat until the crust is crisp again and the cheese melts, or pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Microwaving is an option but tends to make the crust soggy, which you definitely want to avoid here!
FAQs
Can I use pre-made pizza dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pre-made dough works great and saves time, but making your own dough enhances the flavor and texture uniquely for this Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe.
How spicy is this pizza? Can I adjust the heat?
The red chili flakes and hot honey provide a noticeable but balanced spiciness. Feel free to reduce or increase the chili flakes according to your personal heat tolerance.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella gives a wonderful balance of gooey meltiness and bold flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses, but this combo is tried and true.
Can I make this pizza vegan or gluten-free?
You can certainly swap in plant-based cheese and a gluten-free dough alternative, but the flavor and texture might be a bit different from the traditional Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe.
Is hot honey necessary or can I skip it?
Hot honey is the pièce de résistance that adds a subtle sweet heat contrast. If you don’t have it, try drizzling regular honey or a mild chili oil for a similar effect, but don’t skip this step if you want the full experience!
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe has everything you could want from a homemade pizza — bold flavors, a perfectly crispy crust, and a little kick of heat that keeps your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re cooking for friends or a cozy night in, this pizza is a winner that’s sure to become a go-to favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
PrintSpicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza Recipe
This Spicy Pepperoni Pan Pizza features a crispy homemade dough base topped with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, zesty pizza sauce infused with red chili flakes and Italian seasoning, spicy pepperoni slices, tangy pepperoncini, and a drizzle of hot honey for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The pan-baking method ensures a golden crust and melty cheese, making it an irresistible treat for spice lovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 10-inch pizza (serves 3-4)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- ¾ cup warm water (187 ml)
- 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast (6 grams)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (296 grams)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus extra for drizzling (20 grams)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings
- 5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar
- 3 ounces shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine ¾ cup warm water, 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Mix and Knead Dough: Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Pan and Shape Dough: Lightly oil a 10-inch pan and stretch or roll the risen dough to fit the pan evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the dough for extra crispiness.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Spread ¾ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon red chili flakes and ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning on top to infuse flavor and heat.
- Add Cheeses and Toppings: Generously sprinkle 5 ounces shredded sharp cheddar and 3 ounces shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Arrange 3 ounces sliced pepperoni and 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini evenly on the cheese layer.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pizza pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Finish with Hot Honey: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle 2 tablespoons hot honey over the top for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Serve: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving hot.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- For a crisper crust, preheat the pizza pan in the oven before placing the dough.
- Adjust red chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Hot honey can be substituted with chili-infused olive oil for less sweetness.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in a skillet or oven for best texture.
