After a busy week, Saturdays and Sundays are the perfect time to indulge in a little culinary decadence, and what can be a better way to treat yourself than with a cheese burst pepperoni pizza? This pizza is a perfect balance of flavours and textures, combining the goodness of melted cheese with pepperoni along with the satisfying crunch of a well-baked crust.
Cheese Burst Pepperoni Pizza – Serves 4
Prep time: 1hr 30 min, Cook time- 12 min
Made with cheese, pepperoni and a well-baked crust, this yummy pizza is perfect to enjoy for a weekend feast.
Ingredients
For Pizza Dough:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
| 2 14 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 2 1/4 tsp | Active dry yeast |
| 1 tsp | Sugar |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 3/4 cup | Warm water |
| 1 tbsp | Olive oil |
Cheese Burst Layer:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
| 1 cup | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1/2 cup | Cheddar cheese, shredded |
| 1/4 cup | Cream cheese, softened |
Pizza Toppings:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
| 1/2 cup | Pizza sauce |
| 1 1/2 cups | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 22-25 | Pepperoni slices |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 tsp | Dried oregano |
| 1 tsp | Dried basil |
| 1/2 tsp | Red pepper flakes |
Method
In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix until the dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
In a bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese until well combined.
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
Punch down the dough and divide it into two portions. Roll out one portion on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
Place the cheese mixture in the center and spread it out, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Fold the edges of the dough over the cheese layer and press down to seal.
Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Arrange pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese.
Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot.