Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions
There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade pizza. The aroma of dough rising, the sizzle of the toppings, and the joy of pulling a slice from the pan create an experience that is hard to replicate. Today, we’re diving into a mouthwatering recipe for Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions. This delightful dish combines the heat of pepperoni with the sweetness of caramelized onions, all atop a perfectly crafted dough. Let’s get started!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works brilliantly for several reasons. First, the combination of semolina and white flour gives the crust a delightful chewiness while ensuring it’s light and airy. The spicy pepperoni adds a kick that is beautifully balanced by the rich, sweet caramelized onions. Finally, the homemade sauce made from fresh ingredients elevates the flavors, making each bite a celebration of taste and texture.
What You’ll Gather
- For the Dough:
- 1 package of yeast
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 3/4 cups white flour
- 1 3/4 cups semolina flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Crushed red pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fennel
- 1 small can tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- For the Toppings:
- TABASCO Original Red sauce
- Pepperoni
- Caramelized onions
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cornmeal, for dusting the pizza peel
Setup & Equipment
- Stand mixer with a dough hook
- Medium pan for sauce
- Heavy skillet for caramelizing onions
- Pizza peel for transferring the pizza
- Baking stone or baking sheet
Cooking Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions: The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a stand mixer, combine the white flour, semolina flour, and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Depending on your climate, you may need to add a little extra water, so do this gradually until the dough is slightly tacky.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the dough for about 10 minutes. This kneading process is crucial as it develops the gluten, giving your pizza crust that perfect chewy texture.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. Patience is key here!
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the dough is rising, it’s time to whip up the sauce. In a medium pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become tender. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper and fennel, and sauté for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Step 6: Combine Sauce Ingredients
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix well, then season with a pinch of sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and fresh basil. Let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Caramelize the Onions
Next, let’s work on the caramelized onions. Slice the red onions into 1/4-inch wide rings. In a heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a small amount of sugar (optional) to enhance the sweetness. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are a rich caramel color, which will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically around 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This will ensure a crispy crust.
Step 9: Shape the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into your desired shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Dust your pizza peel with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Step 10: Assemble the Pizza
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the pizza peel. Spread a generous amount of your homemade sauce over the base. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a hearty portion of pepperoni. Top with the caramelized onions for that sweet-savory combo. For an extra kick, drizzle a bit of TABASCO Original Red sauce over the top.
Step 11: Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Step 12: Slice and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of your Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions!
Adaptations for Special Diets
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the white and semolina flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: Omit pepperoni and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Dairy-Free: Replace mozzarella cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Low-Carb: Use a cauliflower crust instead of traditional dough.
Things That Go Wrong
- Yeast Not Rising: Ensure your yeast is fresh and that the water is warm, but not hot, as high temperatures can kill yeast.
- Too Sticky Dough: If your dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Burnt Crust: Keep an eye on your pizza while it bakes, as ovens can vary in temperature.
- Too Watery Sauce: If your sauce is too watery, let it simmer longer to thicken up before adding it to the pizza.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
Leftover pizza can be a delightful treat for the next day. Store any uneaten slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can easily reheat them in the oven for a crispy crust or in the microwave for a quick meal. If you’re meal prepping, consider making the dough and sauce in advance and freezing them. Just allow them to thaw and rise before assembling your pizza.
Helpful Q&A
Can I freeze the pizza dough?
Yes! After the dough has risen, you can shape it into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use it.
How can I make my pizza crust extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, make sure your oven is fully preheated, and consider pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding toppings.
Can I use store-bought sauce instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using a good-quality store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
What type of cheese works best for pizza?
Mozzarella is the classic choice due to its melting qualities, but you can also experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.
More from the Kitchen
That’s a Wrap
In conclusion, making your own Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions at home is not only rewarding but incredibly delicious. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors, paired with a perfectly baked crust, creates a pizza experience that is sure to impress. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this recipe is bound to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the art of pizza making!
Spicy Pepperoni Pizza with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by mixing the yeast in 1 cup of lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a stand mixer, combine the white flour, semolina flour, and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until well incorporated.
- Attach the dough hook to your mixer and knead the dough for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the dough from the mixer bowl and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- While the dough is rising, heat olive oil in a medium pan. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until tender. Add crushed red pepper and fennel, sauté for an additional minute.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season with sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, and fresh basil. Let simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Slice red onions into 1/4-inch wide rings. In a heavy skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a small amount of sugar. Cook slowly until caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically around 475°F (245°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide into two portions. Roll out one portion of the dough into about a 12-inch diameter.
- Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the pizza peel. Spread a generous amount of sauce over the base, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, add pepperoni, and top with caramelized onions.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated baking stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, let cool for a minute before slicing. Serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- For a crispy crust, pre-bake the dough for a few minutes before adding toppings.
- Consider making the dough and sauce in advance and freezing them.
