Homemade Pepperoni and Caramelized Onion Pizza with Garlic Butter Crust

Gather the family for a fun pizza night right in your own kitchen! These homemade pizzas start with pre-made dough that you shape and stretch into individual ovals. Top with rich marinara, gooey mozzarella, sweet caramelized onions, colorful bell pepper and savory pepperoni for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Once baked to golden perfection, the crusts get a brush of garlic butter and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve alongside a crisp side salad tossed with creamy balsamic dressing and a side of ranch for dipping. It’s a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

1 unit Green Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

14 ounce Marinara SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Baby LettuceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Shredded CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 cup Mozzarella CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3.5 ounce PepperoniView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Parmesan Cheese BlockView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Pizza DoughView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1.5 ounce Buttermilk Ranch DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 ounce Creamy Balsamic DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust racks to top and middle positions and preheat oven to 475°F. Wash and dry produce. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons flour on a clean work surface. Remove pizza dough from packaging and place on floured surface. Shape each piece into a ball. (Spray hands with nonstick cooking spray or dust with flour to prevent sticking.) Sprinkle another 1-2 tablespoons flour on top of dough balls. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. After resting, line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. While dough rests, halve, peel and thinly slice onion. Core, deseed and dice bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Trim and discard root ends from lettuce; chop leaves into bite-size pieces.
3. Heat a large drizzle of oil in a medium nonstick pan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and softened, 8-10 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon sugar and a splash of water; cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, 2-3 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Press and stretch one dough ball into an oval; place on one side of a prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough balls, arranging two ovals per sheet. Cover baking sheets with clean kitchen towels; let dough rest 15 minutes. After resting, lightly flour hands. Press and stretch dough on sheets into larger ovals, about 10 inches long by 6 inches wide.
5. Spread dough with marinara; sprinkle with mozzarella. Top with as much caramelized onion, bell pepper and pepperoni as you like. Bake pizzas on top and middle racks, swapping rack positions halfway through, until crust is golden, 14-18 minutes.
6. While pizzas bake, combine garlic powder and 2 tablespoons butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave until butter has melted, 30-60 seconds. Stir to combine.
7. Once pizzas are done, remove from oven. Brush edges of crust with garlic butter to taste. Grate Parmesan over pizzas, then cut each pizza into eight slices. In a large bowl, toss lettuce, carrots and creamy balsamic dressing until combined. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Divide pizzas and salad between plates. Serve with chili flakes for sprinkling and ranch dressing for dipping.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes, this recipe uses pre-made pizza dough. Let it come to room temperature and rest as directed for best results.

How do I make the pizzas ahead?

You can prepare the toppings and caramelize the onion in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze leftover pizza?

Yes, wrap cooled slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven.