Turkey pepperoni pizza is an excellent alternative to traditional pepperoni. Whether you decide to make a thin crust or loaded pizza with turkey pepperoni, the options are delicious!

I’m not a big fan of regular pepperoni, so I started using turkey pepperoni a few years ago and liked it even better. So now we make a lot of pizza with turkey pepperoni.
This recipe is great because it’s simple, and everyone generally likes a “pepperoni” style pizza. The turkey pepperoni makes it slightly healthier and doesn’t add so much grease to the pizza.
What is Turkey Pepperoni?
As the name suggests, turkey pepperoni is made with turkey. Therefore, it is a leaner and healthier alternative to traditional pepperoni. 16 slices (or 28 grams) of turkey pepperoni has just 70 calories compared to 150 in its full-fat sibling.
Traditional pepperoni is made with pork or pork and beef, and 100% all beef pepperoni must be labeled “beef pepperoni.” That also makes turkey pepperoni an excellent substitution for those who do not eat pork or beef.
But just because it’s healthier doesn’t mean it’s less delicious and satisfying. Many people prefer turkey pepperoni over traditional. It has a slightly milder flavor and is less greasy. It is also a good source of protein, with these 16 slices giving you 10 grams of protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need

- Pizza dough – You can make your own using our recipe or store-bought dough.
- Pizza Sauce – You can make your sauce or use a store-bought sauce.
- Turkey Pepperoni – Any brand you like is fine.
- Cheese – Use your preferred pizza cheese. I enjoy a mixed Italian blend.
- All-purpose flour – You’ll need a few pinches to roll out the dough.
How to Make Pizza with Turkey Pepperoni
Most store-bought pizza doughs need to be taken out of the fridge for at least twenty minutes before rolling. Check your specific instructions if you’re using store-bought.
If you want to make homemade pizza dough, follow our instructions here.
When you’re ready to start making your pizza, preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
Step One: Roll out the dough

Some people roll out the dough with a rolling pin, and some like flattening it into a disc shape with their hands. I suggest sticking to your most comfortable method.
Use some flour to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands, the counter, or your rolling pin. Roll out the dough to make one 12″ crust.
Step Two: Prepare the Pizza Pan
If you use a pizza pan in the oven, most are non-stick, but adding a thin coat of olive oil helps prevent any sticking and promotes even browning on the bottom of your pizza. You can also choose to use parchment paper, as we did here.
Once your dough is on the peel/pan, you may need to straighten the edges with your fingers.
(If you’re using a pizza peel, cover it with flour and/or cornmeal to prevent sticking.)
Place the dough on the peel or directly on the pan.
Step Three: Add the Ingredients
Take a spoon and apply dollops of sauce. Take the back of the spoon and spread it out over the dough, leaving about 2″ of crust without sauce around the edge.

Many people like a “bullseye” pattern, swirling the sauce from the center out.

Add a thin layer of turkey pepperoni once you’re happy with your sauce distribution. Sprinkle your cheese of choice evenly over the top.

Step Four: Bake the Pizza
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Pizza Variations With Turkey Pepperoni
The pizza combinations using turkey pepperoni are as endless as traditional pepperoni. It is a very versatile ingredient. You can use it or combine it with your other favorite vegetables or meat toppings. For a different taste, you can use smoked mozzarella for the cheese, which would be delicious with the turkey pepperoni. For a traditional flavor, you can combine it with sausage or turkey sausage, peppers, and olives.
There are many different types of convenient pre-sliced turkey pepperoni on the market. However, we usually use the generic store brand and find it as tasty as the name brand.
You may have to try several brands to choose the best turkey pepperoni and see what flavorings you like best. Some brands, like Applegate Natural, are uncured if that is important to you. Therefore, no nitrates or nitrites were added except those naturally occurring in sea salt and cultured celery powder).
Substitutions and Variations
- If you like pizza on the spicier side, mix some of your favorite hot sauce red pepper into your sauce or add sliced jalapenos to the top.
- Want to add vegetables? The picture below shows green bell peppers, but banana peppers or onions also work well with turkey pepperoni.

Additional Tips & Tricks
- A pizza stone will help you get a crispier, more evenly cooked crust. If you don’t have a pizza peel, a trick is to par-bake the pizza on your pan for 12 minutes and then transfer it to the stone. Turn the oven off at this point, and let your pizza finish on the stone for about 5 minutes.
- A pizza cutter is an excellent investment if you don’t have one. There are a lot of choices, and most are fairly inexpensive. We like the Ooni’s Pizza Cutter.
- Try placing a few basil leaves on the pizza for a fresh burst of Italian flavor.
How to Reheat It
If the pizza is from the fridge: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Once it reaches temp, place it on a pan or the pizza stone for 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat the slices in a skillet on the stovetop – no need to preheat the pan! Place the skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, place the pizza in, and let heat for 6-8 minutes.

Pizza With Turkey Pepperoni
Equipment
- Pizza Peel or Pan (Can also use a cookie sheet)
- Pizza Stone Optional
- Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 1x 12" Pizza Dough Make your own or use a store-bought dough.
- .5 cups Pizza Sauce You can make your own sauce or use a store-bought sauce.
- 2 ounces Turkey Pepperoni (Equals about 3/4 cup) Depending on how heavy you like the distribution to be.
- 4 ounces Your preferred pizza cheese (Equals 1 cup) I enjoy a mixed Italian blend.
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour for rolling out the dough.
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil to oil your pan.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Prepare your pizza dough. While you can use most freshly made doughs about 10 minutes after making it, most store-bought pizza doughs must be out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to warm up to room temperature. Check your specific instructions if you're using store-bought.
- Some people roll out the dough with a rolling pin, and some like flattening it into a disc shape with their hands. I say you stick to what method you are most comfortable with. Use some flour to keep it from sticking to your hands, the counter, or your rolling pin.
- If you use a pizza pan in the oven, most are non-stick, but adding a thin coat of olive oil which helps prevent any sticking and promotes even browning on the bottom of your pizza.
- Place the dough on the peel or pan.Once your dough is on the peel/pan, you may need to straighten the edges with your fingers.
- Take a spoon and apply the sauce a spoonful at a time. Take the back of the spoon and spread it out over the dough, leaving about 1" of crust without sauce around the edge. Many people like using a "bullseye" pattern, swirling the sauce from the center out. Start with less sauce and add more as needed. It is easier to add more than take it away.
- Once you're happy with your sauce distribution, add a thin layer of turkey pepperoni.
- Sprinkle your cheese of choice evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition

Heather is a passionate culinary enthusiast who has honed her baking and cooking skills since she was a young girl. Her culinary journey started in the kitchens of her mom, dad, aunt, and grandma. Even though Heather loves the comfort of a familiar recipe, she often embraces the role of an explorer in the kitchen and enjoys experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.