There’s something magical about the smell of pizza wafting through the house, isn’t there? I mean, who doesn’t love that cheesy goodness topped with savory meats and a splash of zesty marinara? Whenever my family gets together, pizza night is a sure bet to bring everyone to the table. This isn’t just any pizza, though; it’s my go-to Cheesy Pepperoni and Ham Pizza, which is always a crowd-pleaser!
I still remember the first time I crafted this pizza. It was a stormy night, and my kids were getting restless. I decided to whip up something fun, and we ended up having a blast making our custom pizzas. This simple recipe became a family favorite, and now, it makes regular appearances at our Friday night dinners. Trust me, once you try this cheesy delight, it’ll earn a spot in your weekly rotation too!
What’s in Cheesy Pepperoni and Ham Pizza?
Let’s dive into the star-studded lineup for this cheesy masterpiece!
Pre-made pizza dough: This is the base of our pizza. I usually grab a 14-inch from my local grocery store, as it saves time and tastes great, but feel free to make your own if you’re up for it!
Marinara sauce: Ah, the magic elixir! One cup creates a luscious blanket for our toppings. I prefer using a good quality jarred sauce (look for brands with fewer additives) that packs that classic Italian flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Two cups of gooey goodness to cover our sauce. Fresh mozzarella is lovely if you’re feeling fancy, but I usually just keep it simple with bagged shredded mozzarella for convenience.
Sliced pepperoni: One cup of these spicy rounds gives our pizza that classic flavor. You can’t go wrong with a bit of spicy kick that pepperoni brings!
Sliced ham: Another cup of deliciousness that adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the mix. I like to use a deli-style ham for this recipe.
Dried oregano: Just a teaspoon can elevate the flavor of your pizza with that lovely herby twist.
Garlic powder: A teaspoon of this spice kicks things up a notch with aromatic goodness—a must for any pizza!
Olive oil: Brushing this on the pizza dough not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a lovely golden crust.
Fresh basil leaves: Optional, but a lovely garnish to brighten up the pizza and add a fresh aroma.
Is Cheesy Pepperoni and Ham Pizza Good for You?
Now, let’s not kid ourselves—pizza isn’t exactly a health food, but it can have its perks, especially when you make it at home!
Pizza dough: If you choose whole-wheat dough, it brings some fiber into the mix.
Marinara sauce: This delicious red sauce is made from tomatoes, which means it’s packed with vitamins like C and A as well as antioxidants.
Cheese: While it does have saturated fat, cheese is also a source of protein and calcium. Balancing it with other ingredients makes this a satisfying meal.
Pepperoni and ham: These meats are rich in protein, but they can be high in sodium and preservatives. Moderation is key!
Overall, the beauty of this pizza is that you can customize it with tons of fresh veggies or even try a cauliflower crust if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy delight:
– 1 pre-made pizza dough (14-inch)
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1 cup sliced ham
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
This recipe serves about 4 hungry pizza lovers!
How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni and Ham Pizza?
Ready to embark on this cheesy adventure? Here are the steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Roll out the pre-made pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 14-inch circle. Place it on a pizza peel, pizza pan, or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Brush the olive oil on the pizza dough to create a light sheen.
4. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
6. Evenly distribute the sliced pepperoni and ham across the cheese.
7. Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder over the toppings for added flavor.
8. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or slide it onto the pizza stone if using).
9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
11. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Pop It Up – Fun Variations!
Feel free to get creative! You can customize your pizza by adding additional toppings like bell peppers, onions, or olives. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing different cheeses like cheddar or gouda in with the mozzarella for a flavor explosion.
And please, don’t skip the extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping—it’s a game changer!
Give this Cheesy Pepperoni and Ham Pizza a try and let the deliciousness unfold in your kitchen! I’d love to hear how your pizza night goes. Feel free to share your creations, modifications, or even your pizza night stories—let’s keep the culinary adventures rolling! 🍕
