New York Style Pepperoni Pizza: An Authentic and Savory Delight

New York Style Pepperoni Pizza is an iconic dish that captures the essence of classic American pizza. Known for its thin, crispy crust and generous layers of spicy pepperoni, this pizza is a favorite among food lovers everywhere. The perfect combination of a slight crunch in the crust, gooey melted cheese, and the slightly spicy, smoky flavor of pepperoni makes this pizza irresistible.

Ingredients:- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese- 1 cup sliced pepperoni- 2 tablespoons olive oil- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting)- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while heating to allow it to become hot.

2. Prepare the Dough: - On a clean surface, sprinkle some flour and roll out the pizza dough into a 14-inch round. The crust should be thin yet slightly thicker around the edges.

3. Prepare the Pizza Peel: - Lightly dust a pizza peel (or a flat baking sheet) with cornmeal to prevent the dough from sticking and to give the pizza a nice crunch on the bottom.

4. Assemble the Pizza: - Transfer the rolled-out dough to the pizza peel. Brush the edges with a little olive oil. - Spread a thin layer of marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges for the crust. - Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. - Arrange the pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.

5. Bake the Pizza: - Slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. - Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

6. Finish and Serve: - Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes on a wire rack to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. - For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired. - Slice and serve hot.

Enjoy your delicious New York Style Pepperoni Pizza!