Homemade Sheetpan Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, & Spicy Peppered Salami
Making a homemade sheetpan pizza is a fun and delicious way to bring the flavors of a classic pizzeria into your home. This version, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and spicy peppered salami, offers a delightful balance of creamy cheese, aromatic herbs, and a fiery kick from the salami. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, yet it delivers bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, this pizza is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
For the pizza dough:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the pan)
For the toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
- 3 oz spicy peppered salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10–12 leaves)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let the mixture sit for about 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates the yeast is active.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time. The dough should be soft but not tacky.
- Let the dough rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1–1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a sheet pan (13×18 inches) in the oven to heat. This will help give the pizza a crispy crust.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a rectangular shape to fit your sheet pan. You want the dough to be about 1/4-inch thick.
- Prepare the sheet pan: Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven (use oven mitts!). Grease the pan generously with olive oil, then transfer the dough onto the pan. Stretch the dough gently to fit the pan’s edges. If the dough resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes before continuing.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Add the sauce: Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add the cheese: Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and scatter them evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
- Add the salami: Arrange the slices of spicy peppered salami over the cheese. If you prefer a spicier pizza, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
- Season and drizzle: Lightly season the pizza with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the entire pizza to help the toppings meld together and create a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Bake: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Bake the pizza for about 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp, the cheese is bubbling, and the salami has crisped up at the edges.
- Add the basil: Once the pizza is out of the oven, scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top while the pizza is still hot. The heat will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its fragrant aroma.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice and serve: Let the pizza cool for a minute or two, then slice it into squares or large rectangles using a pizza cutter. Serve immediately and enjoy the irresistible combination of creamy mozzarella, spicy salami, and fresh basil.
Tips for the Perfect Sheetpan Pizza
- Use a preheated pan: Preheating the sheet pan helps the crust get that perfect crispy texture, similar to what you’d find in a pizzeria.
- Fresh mozzarella: Using fresh mozzarella creates creamy, gooey pockets of cheese that are unbeatable. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can use low-moisture mozzarella.
- Customize the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, you can substitute the spicy peppered salami with a milder version, or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Dough alternatives: If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works well for this recipe.
This Homemade Sheetpan Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Spicy Peppered Salami is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of classic pizza flavors with a homemade touch