Bold and Spicy Pepperoni Blast

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Cornmeal or flour for dusting
• 1 ½ cups spicy pizza sauce or marinara sauce (or add red pepper flakes to regular sauce for heat)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 80-100 slices of pepperoni (adjust quantity to your preference)
• Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) or banana peppers (optional, for added spice)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for additional heat)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (around 475-500°F or 245-260°C). Place a pizza stone in the oven if available.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness and shape.
3. Sprinkle cornmeal or flour on a pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the peel or baking sheet.
4. Evenly spread the spicy pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Distribute a generous layer of pepperoni slices across the entire pizza, covering the cheese completely.
7. If desired, add sliced jalapeños or banana peppers over the pizza for an extra spicy kick.
8. Optionally, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the pizza for additional heat.
9. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the hot stone. Otherwise, place the baking sheet with the pizza in the oven.
10. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni becomes slightly crispy.
11. Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
12. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for added freshness.
13. Slice the pizza and serve hot.

This Bold and Spicy Pepperoni Blast pizza offers a fiery twist on the classic pepperoni pizza, incorporating spicy sauce, jalapeños or banana peppers, and extra red pepper flakes for those who crave a more intense, bold, and spicy flavor profile. Enjoy the heat and boldness in every bite!