10.5ouncesTrader Joe's Pizza DoughYour choice among Trader Joe's pizza dough.
.5cupsPizza SauceYou can make your own sauce or use a store-bought sauce.
2ouncesPepperoni (Equals about 3/4 cup)Depending on how heavy you like the distribution to be.
4ouncesYour preferred pizza cheese (Equals 1 cup)I enjoy a mixed Italian blend.
1tablespoonFlourfor stretching/rolling out the dough.
1teaspoonOlive oilif you are using a pizza pan
Instructions
Preheat oven.
Prepare your pizza dough. Store-bought pizza dough like this Trader Joe's option must be out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to warm up to room temperature. Check the specific instructions on the packaging to be sure.
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.
Indoor Pizza Oven Instructions
Bake for 7 minutes at the temperature specified on the packaging - typically 450°F to 475°F
Rotate pizza and bake for another 3-8 minutes (check the instructions and check your pizza).
Check the top and crust. If the top is done, turn the oven off and leave for another 5 minutes. If you have a pizza stone, this is the perfect time to transfer the pizza to the pizza stone.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let stand for another 5 minutes.
Cut and serve immediately.
Outdoor Pizza Oven Instructions
While Trader Joe's pizza dough did very well in our outdoor oven, we didn't cook at the oven's maximum temperature. We heated the stone to 800°F and then turned it down immediately upon launch.
Rotate pizza 1/4 turn approximately every 1 minute.
Remove the pizza from the oven and let stand for 3 minutes.