Craving that iconic Little Caesars pepperoni pizza at home?
The recipe replicates the chain’s signature pie, crispy-bottomed crust, zesty sauce, a generous blanket of cheese, and loads of pepperoni, all without delivery.
Perfect for a movie night, game day, or anytime your tastebuds want something fast, easy, and ultra-satisfying.
Serve it hot with garlic butter dipping sauce, a side of ranch, or paired with a fresh Caesar salad for a full pizzeria-style meal.
Little Caesars Pepperoni Pizza
Equipment
- Oven preheated to 475°F / 245°C
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Pastry brush for oiling crust
- Pizza cutter or large knife
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water 100–110°F
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tnsp olive oil plus more for greasing
Sauce:
- ¾ cup canned tomato sauce
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp salt
Toppings:
- 1½ shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 25–30 pepperoni slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing crust
- pinch of cornmeal for baking sheet Optional
Instructions
- Make the Dough:In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to form a shaggy dough.Knead on a floured surface for 7–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Prepare the Sauce:While dough is rising, mix all sauce ingredients in a small saucepan.Simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Pizza:Preheat oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone inside if using.Roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Place on a lightly oiled or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over sauce, then top with pepperoni slices.Brush crust edge with olive oil.
- Bake & Serve:Bake pizza on the lower rack for 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown.Let cool for 2–3 minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Serving Size | ~125 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 500 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
Cooking Tips
- Crispier Crust: Use a pizza stone or bake directly on an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven.
- Pepperoni Curl: Use thin-sliced or old-world style pepperoni for that classic curled and crispy look.
- Cheese Mix: Want extra gooeyness? Try a 50/50 mix of mozzarella and provolone.
- Make Ahead: Dough and sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated.
Are There Any Varieties?
Classic pepperoni pizza is a staple for good reason, but there’s plenty of room to build on its familiar base with bold tweaks and flavorful additions.
Whether it’s stretching cheese into the crust, layering on fiery heat, or packing it full of savory meats, each version brings something fresh to the table.
1. Cheesy Crust Pepperoni Pizza
Mozzarella gets tucked inside the crust edges before baking, turning every bite into a gooey, stretchy delight. It’s a familiar move that instantly gives a homemade pizza that stuffed-crust pizzeria effect.
Extra cheese oozing out of the golden crust adds another layer of indulgence. It’s a no-brainer for cheese lovers and fans of that melty pull.
String cheese or blocks of low-moisture mozzarella sliced into strips work perfectly here. Seal the dough well to avoid leaks while baking.
2. Spicy Pepperoni Pizza
Red pepper flakes, hot honey drizzle, and spicy-style pepperoni like Hormel Hot & Spicy turn the classic into a bold, fire-forward creation. Each bite delivers a kick that heat seekers crave.
Expect layers of spice that cut through the richness of the cheese and meats, creating a more complex flavor profile. It brings intensity without overwhelming the classic elements.
Adding fresh or pickled jalapeños gives an extra punch and texture contrast. A thin swipe of chili oil under the sauce can also boost the heat.
3. Meat Lover’s Upgrade
Pepperoni gets reinforcements from crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, and savory ham. It’s a protein-packed take that loads up every slice with hearty toppings.
More meat means a fuller, more satisfying bite that leans into savory depth and texture. Great for anyone who enjoys a more loaded-style pizza.
Precooking each meat helps reduce excess grease and ensures a crisp finish. Smaller pieces spread better across the pie and balance flavors.
4. Veggie Pepperoni Pizza
Plant-based pepperoni takes the spotlight alongside colorful bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and optional olives. A vibrant take on the classic, still anchored in that pepperoni flavor.
Vegetables bring freshness and color while keeping things lighter. Ideal for vegetarians or those seeking a balanced topping mix without sacrificing taste.
Vegan mozzarella melts well and keeps the whole pie dairy-free. Roasted veggies add extra flavor depth and prevent sogginess during baking.
5. Deep Dish Style
Dough gets pressed into a tall-sided cast iron pan or cake tin, creating a thick base that crisps on the bottom while staying soft inside. It’s a heartier approach with extra crust real estate.
Cheese goes down first, followed by toppings, then sauce, Detroit-style all the way. The edges become golden and slightly caramelized for a crunchy finish.
Sprinkle shredded cheese right up to the pan’s edges for that signature crispy, cheesy perimeter. Let the pie rest before slicing to help the layers hold.
Summary
Pepperoni pizza delivers comfort in its most satisfying form, crispy crust, gooey cheese, and that signature spicy bite.
With just a few simple tweaks, it transforms into something even more crave-worthy.
Stuffed crust, extra heat, or a pan full of meats can completely change the experience while staying true to what makes it so loved.
