Description
There’s nothing quite like a homemade pizza, especially when you make each component from scratch. With fresh ingredients, you have full control over the flavors and quality, resulting in a pizza that outshines any frozen or store-bought option. Using a multi-fuel wood-fired oven like the Ooni takes it up another level, giving your pizza a unique smoky flavor and perfect, crisped crust that you won’t achieve in a regular oven.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making an unforgettable pepperoni pizza with a robust marinara and a crispy-chewy homemade crust.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Dry Active Yeast: 2 teaspoons or 1 small packet
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Warm Water (110°F): 1/2 cup
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Granulated Garlic: 1 tablespoon
- High-Gluten Flour: 1 pound 12 ounces (or 29 ounces total)
- Room Temperature Water: 2 cups
- Olive Oil Blend (or Truffle Oil-my favorite ): 2 tablespoons
- (Optional) Freshly Grated Parmesan: 1/4 cup
For the Marinara Sauce:
- Whole Plum Tomatoes: 14 ounces
- White Onion, sliced: 4 ounces (1/4 pound)
- Fresh Basil, chopped: 0.4 ounces
- Garlic Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/4 tablespoon (or to taste)
Pizza Toppings:
- Pepperoni Slices
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Garlic-Infused Oil (for brushing crust)
- Fresh Basil, chiffonade (thinly sliced)
- Freshly Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
Instructions
Dough Directions
- Bloom the Yeast: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a stand mixer, add half the flour, baking powder, granulated garlic, salt and parmesan cheese (optional). Start on low speed and slowly pour in the yeast mixture.
- Once incorporated, gradually add the remaining flour.
- Add Water and Oil:
- Slowly pour in the room-temperature water until combined, followed by the oil.
- Finally, add the cold water. Mix until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides (about 15 minutes on low speed).
- Portion and Rest the Dough:
- Remove the dough from the mixer and place it in a large oiled container, covered with plastic wrap. Let it rise for 1-2 hours until it has doubled in size.
- Divide the dough into 7-10 oz balls, rolling in a ball each until smooth.
- Place the dough balls on an oiled sheet pan or in individual containers, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This slow, cold fermentation enhances the flavor and results in a perfect texture for baking.
Marinara Sauce Directions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- In a pot, heat half of the garlic oil and add the sliced onions. Cook on medium-low until the onions turn a deep amber color.
- Blend Onions: Add the remaining garlic oil and blend the onions until smooth with an immersion blender As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. or in a blender As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site..
- Combine Ingredients:
- Place the tomatoes in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the caramelized onions and salt, then blend until smooth.
- Add the tomato paste, stir, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 1 hour, allowing flavors to deepen.
- Finish with Basil: Stir in the chopped basil just before taking the sauce off the heat, adding a fresh layer of flavor.
Pizza Assembly and Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your Ooni Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. (or a regular oven) to its highest temperature (typically around 900°F for Ooni). The intense heat of a wood-fired oven results in a crispy, airy crust and imparts a slightly smoky flavor that elevates your homemade pizza to pizzeria-level quality.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch one dough ball into a 12-inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker to create a crust.
- Add Sauce and Toppings:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly, then add a generous layer of pepperoni slices.
- Brush the crust with garlic-infused oil for added flavor and aroma.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Slide the pizza onto a pizza peel and into the oven. Bake for 60-90 seconds in the Ooni, rotating as needed for even cooking. In a regular oven, it may take 10-12 minutes.
- Finish with Fresh Toppings:
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle it with fresh basil chiffonade and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. These finishing touches add a pop of color and flavor.
Equipment

Ooni Karu 2 Pro Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven – Wood and Gas Outdoor
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Notes
Why a Wood-Fired Oven?
Using a multi-fuel wood-fired pizza oven As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this site. like the Ooni takes your homemade pizza to the next level. Unlike conventional ovens, the Ooni reaches extremely high temperatures, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the inside airy and tender. The wood fire adds a subtle smoky layer to the crust, giving your pizza a flavor profile that’s truly exceptional and hard to achieve at home with a regular oven.