Super Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza
PIN IT!Oh I love snow days! My husband and I have been talking lately about moving to a warm, sunny place when our lease is up (in September) and as alluring as a quick trip to the beach or 70 degree winters is, I’ll admit, I would really miss the snow.
I grew up in the Midwest (with lake effect snow winters) so I’m sort of used to winter. And not only that, it reminds me of home. I grew up getting over 2 feet of snow each January and February, with snow days leaving me home to play in it all day until my face was rosy and frozen. My mom would make big batches of homemade chicken noodle soup or goulash and we’d eat by the fire. I always wanted my kids (future ones, of course) to have snow days and winter like I did.
But you know what? Giving my kids the chance to grow up next to a beach is pretty enticing too. Actually, who am I kidding, kids are a long ways off for us, I just want to grow up next to a beach. I have friends in LA and San Diego and they are always posting photos of their rollerblading weekends or afternoons on the soft, white sandy beaches. Just the thought alone makes my heart ache.
But we have a few months to figure out our next steps, and let’s get serious, I’m not beach ready. But unlike past attempts to weight loss, I’m not beating myself about that. In fact, I even hosted pizza night in our cozy little abode last week. The key to successful weight loss is letting yourself indulge every now and then, and I’ll be honest, pizza is my favorite indulgence. Especially super cheesy pepperoni pizza.
Because life is too damn short not to eat the things you love. It’s all about moderation, am I right?
Super Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!
Serves about 8. Recipe inspired by Table for Two Blog.
Prep time: About 15 minutes
Cook time: About 12 – 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 cup warm water, about 110 degrees F
- 2 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Dash of salt
For the toppings:
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- About 1 1/2 cups turkey pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Cracked black pepper
Directions:
- To make the dough, mix the yeast, sugar and water in a large bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 10 – 15 minutes. Mix in the bread flour, olive oil and salt. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, soft and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with nonstick saran wrap. Chill for at least 12 – 24 hours.
- Once chilled, remove from the bowl. Lightly knead and then let rise for about an hour. Gently punch the dough down. Place it onto a floured surface and roll out to a 12 inch circle. Dust with cornmeal.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Grease a pizza pan or stone and place the dough onto the pan. Spread the top evenly with sauce, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Top with the mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan cheese. Arrange the pepperoni around the edges and in the center of the pizza. Top with chives and cracked black pepper.
- Bake for about 15 – 16 minutes, or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown.
Nutritional information per slice:
Calories: 288
Fat: 12.1 grams
Carbohydrates: 32 grams
Fiber: 1.75 grams
Protein: 17 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 8
Claire
Tags:best cheese pizza recipe, italian recipes, pepperoni recipes, pizza recipes, super cheesy pizza recipes
:)
Mollie x
I grew up in Ohio and now having lived in CA, FL, and now AZ, I do miss snow days!!
Your pizza sounds so good. Love it!