A pepperoni pizza with a golden crust and evenly spaced pepperoni slices sits on a white plate, much like Simone Biles gracefully landing her routine, each element perfectly in place.
A pepperoni pizza on a white plate sits on a table next to fresh basil, a napkin, a cup of coffee, and a small bowl with extra pepperoni slices—it's as balanced as Simone Biles' perfect routine.

Simone Biles’s Favorite Pepperoni Pizza

Asian woman holding a tea pot in front of a window.Grace Kim
This classic pepperoni pizza features a crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and plenty of pepperoni. It's perfect for a celebratory meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Dough rising 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Meal Type Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 614 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $7.50
Shopping Cost$24.50

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Pizza Cutter

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
  • 1 ½ cups water warm
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded mozzarella cheese or Provel for a St. Louis-style twist
  • 1 ½ cups pepperoni slices
  • basil leaves Fresh, optional
  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is foamy.
    2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tbsp sugar
  • Add the flour, olive oil, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the dough starts to form.
    3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
    1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven while it heats.

Assemble the Pizza:

  • Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal portions.
  • Roll out each dough portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  • Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper or directly on a preheated pizza stone/baking sheet.
  • Spread the tomato sauce evenly over each pizza crust.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or Provel cheese) on top of the sauce.
    2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese.
    1 1/2 cups pepperoni slices
  • Brush the crust edges lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
    Olive oil

Bake the Pizza:

  • Bake each pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and enjoy!
    basil leaves

Notes

Stuffed Crust Option: For an indulgent stuffed crust, roll the edges of the dough around mozzarella cheese sticks before baking.
St. Louis-Style Variation: Use Provel cheese for an authentic St. Louis-style pizza and cut the pizza into square slices.
Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Calories: 614kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 24gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 1322mgPotassium: 341mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 455IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 229mgIron: 5mg
Keyword classic pizza recipe, Homemade Pizza, Pepperoni pizza, post-competition treat, Simone Biles favorite

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast, has a well-known love for pepperoni pizza, a comforting and delicious treat she indulges in after competitions. Whether it's a classic thin crust or a gooey, stuffed crust, pepperoni pizza is her way to celebrate and unwind. This recipe brings her favorite post-competition dish to life with a simple homemade crust, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of pepperoni and cheese. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own, just like Simone does with different styles and toppings. Perfect for a night in with friends or family, this pizza is a true crowd-pleaser.

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