Are you craving a quick and easy recipe that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors with a comfort food classic? This garden basil pepperoni pizza is your answer!
Perfect for weeknight dinners or a laid-back gathering with friends, this dish blends the aromatic freshness of basil, the tanginess of cherry tomatoes, and the hearty satisfaction of pepperoni into one delicious creation.
Why This Easy Recipe Is Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe isn’t just about taste—it’s about simplicity. With just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven, you can whip up this delightful meal in under 30 minutes.
That’s what makes it a go-to for busy families or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying food fix. Plus, the fresh basil and tomatoes add a bright Mediterranean touch, making it feel light yet indulgent.
The combination of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese ensures every bite is packed with gooey, melty goodness. Add to that the spicy kick of crushed red pepper flakes and the savory depth of thinly sliced pepperoni, and you’ve got a recipe that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for Customizing Your Pizza
This easy recipe is wonderfully versatile, meaning you can tweak it to suit your dietary preferences or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and load up on fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough to enjoy all the flavors without the gluten.
- Add more Mediterranean flair: Swap out crushed tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes, or sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the top before baking.
How to Make It Even Easier
For a truly effortless experience, opt for store-bought pizza dough. It saves time and still delivers a deliciously crispy crust. Alternatively, if you want to elevate the recipe, try making your own no-knead bread dough—it’s easier than you might think and adds a rustic charm to your homemade pizza.
Short on fresh basil? Dried basil works in a pinch, though fresh basil leaves provide that signature Mediterranean aroma and visual appeal. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to add more depth to the flavor profile.
The Secret to That Perfect Fresh Taste
The cherry tomatoes in this recipe are a standout feature. Roasting them in the oven brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.
Even if tomatoes aren’t in season, cherry tomatoes tend to maintain their quality year-round, making this recipe perfect for any time of the year.
Pro tip: Toss the cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes before adding them to the pizza. This step enhances their flavor and ties together all the other ingredients beautifully.
Serve It Up With Style
Pair this garden basil pepperoni pizza with a simple Mediterranean salad featuring cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors perfectly.
Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or a centerpiece at your next casual get-together, this pizza is guaranteed to impress. The combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and ease of preparation makes it a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
Note: Here is the recipe for No-Knead Dough: The Easy Way to Homemade Bread & Pizza.
Easy Garden Basil Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus more for greasing
- ½ pound no-knead bread or store-bought pizza dough
- ¾ cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 8 pieces of large thinly sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove minced or grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Heat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Shape the dough:
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll the dough out until it is about ¼-inch thick.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto the oiled baking sheet.
Spread the base and add toppings:
- Evenly distribute the crushed tomatoes over the surface of the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses across the tomato layer.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
Prepare the tomato mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired for a spicy kick).
- Spread this mixture over the assembled pizza.
Bake the pizza:
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled.
Add finishing touches:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top as a garnish.
- Slice into pieces and serve while hot.
Notes
- Cherry tomatoes burst in the oven, adding texture and a pop of freshness.
- Substitute pepperoni with vegetarian options like roasted red peppers for a meatless variation.
- Store-bought dough makes this recipe even easier for weeknight meals.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.