This triple cheese, pepperoni, and jalapeño pizza features a soft, fluffy dough topped with three cheeses, spicy pepperoni, and the kick of jalapeños.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 300g strong white bread flour
• 5g sachet fast-action dried yeast
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 400g passata
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp golden caster sugar
• 100g coarsely grated cheddar
• 25g grated parmesan
• 100g pre-grated mozzarella
• 15 slices pepperoni
• Handful of sliced jalapeños

Directions

1. Mix the flour and yeast in a bowl. Make a well and add 200ml cold water and a pinch of salt. Knead until smooth. Let rise for 1-2 hours.
2. Grease a rectangular tin with olive oil. Deflate the dough and press it into the tin. Let rise for 1 hour.
3. Combine passata, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 220°C. Spread sauce over the dough, top with cheeses, pepperoni, and jalapeños.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.

Nutritional Information 

• Calories: 586
• Fat: 23g
• Saturates: 13g
• Carbs: 63g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fibre: 4g
• Protein: 29g
• Salt: 2.1g

Why This Pizza Is Perfect for Any Occasion

Pizza is a beloved comfort food, and the combination of three cheeses, pepperoni, and jalapeños brings a perfect balance of rich, savory, and spicy flavors. This pizza has an irresistible combination of textures with its soft dough, gooey cheese, and crunchy toppings, making it an ideal choice for any meal, from casual family dinners to entertaining guests. The contrast of the heat from the jalapeños and the richness of the cheese is a match made in pizza heaven.

The Art of Making Perfect Pizza Dough

The key to a perfect pizza begins with a great dough. Traditional pizza dough is simple to prepare, with just a few basic ingredients like flour, yeast, olive oil, and water. What makes this dough stand out is the way it rises and the texture it achieves after baking. Allowing the dough to rise twice creates a fluffy, airy crust with a slight chewiness, offering the ideal base for your toppings. The dough should be soft but not sticky, and it should hold its shape when stretched. The first rise gives it the needed airiness, and the second rise allows for a deeper flavor to develop.

How to Achieve the Best Cheese Blend

The three-cheese combination is central to this pizza’s success. Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan offer distinct textures and flavors. Cheddar adds sharpness, mozzarella brings a smooth melt, and parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. This blend not only provides complex flavors but also helps the pizza hold together without becoming too greasy. When using pre-grated cheese, be sure to spread it evenly, allowing each bite to contain a little bit of each type.

The Role of Pepperoni

Pepperoni is a classic pizza topping, and for good reason. It adds a crispy texture when baked and delivers a burst of spicy, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese. As the pepperoni cooks, it releases oils that seep into the dough and cheese, enriching the overall taste. Whether you choose traditional or thin-sliced pepperoni, it’s important to place it evenly across the pizza to ensure every slice gets a fair share of this delicious topping.

Why Add Jalapeños to Your Pizza?

Jalapeños are the perfect way to add heat and a touch of tanginess to your pizza. Their flavor is sharp and bright, offering a spicy contrast to the rich cheese and salty pepperoni. You can use fresh or pickled jalapeños, depending on your preference. Pickled jalapeños bring an extra layer of acidity, which balances out the heaviness of the cheese. When selecting jalapeños, be sure to slice them thinly to allow them to cook evenly and to avoid overwhelming the pizza with too much heat.

Balancing Flavors: The Secret to a Great Pizza

One of the challenges in making pizza is balancing the flavors of the toppings. Too much cheese can make the pizza greasy, while too many toppings can overwhelm the dough. The key is moderation. A thin layer of sauce, followed by the right proportion of cheese, pepperoni, and jalapeños, ensures each bite is well-balanced. When you bake the pizza, the heat from the oven intensifies these flavors, creating a symphony of taste in every slice.

Using Fresh Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Fresh ingredients are essential when making pizza, especially when it comes to the sauce and vegetables. Fresh passata for the sauce gives a natural sweetness and acidity, which contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese and the spiciness of the toppings. Additionally, fresh jalapeños provide a crisp, clean flavor that pre-packaged alternatives can’t replicate. Using fresh ingredients guarantees that every bite of your pizza will be bursting with vibrant flavor.

The Importance of Sauce on Pizza

A pizza’s sauce serves as the foundation for its flavor profile. While some people prefer a tangy tomato-based sauce, others opt for white sauces or even a pesto drizzle. The passata used in this pizza is simple yet flavorful, providing just the right amount of acidity to balance out the richness of the cheese. Garlic powder and oregano are commonly added for extra depth of flavor, but the key is to spread the sauce sparingly, so it doesn’t overpower the pizza.

The Right Oven Temperature for Pizza

Baking pizza at a high temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect crust. Preheating your oven to the correct temperature before placing the pizza inside ensures that the dough cooks quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, airy interior. Ideally, the oven should be preheated to around 220°C (430°F), which is hot enough to crisp the crust but gentle enough to melt the cheese without burning it. A pizza stone can help distribute heat evenly for an even better result.

How to Get the Perfect Crust

The crust is a defining feature of any great pizza. Achieving a golden, crispy crust requires attention to detail, including the right dough thickness and baking time. Thin crusts tend to crisp up faster and offer a more cracker-like texture, while thicker crusts provide a chewy base that can hold up to heavier toppings. The key is to not overwork the dough and to allow it to bake for the appropriate amount of time, ensuring the edges are crisp and the center remains soft.

Adding Extra Toppings for Customization

While the triple cheese, pepperoni, and jalapeño combination is already flavorful, you can always customize your pizza to suit your tastes. Additional toppings like mushrooms, onions, olives, or bell peppers can complement the existing flavors. For a more indulgent pizza, consider adding a drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkling of fresh basil after baking. The beauty of pizza is in its versatility, so feel free to experiment with different toppings to create a pizza that’s uniquely yours.

The Benefits of Homemade Pizza

Making pizza at home offers several advantages over ordering takeout. First, it gives you complete control over the ingredients, so you can create a healthier version by using less cheese or opting for a whole-wheat crust. Homemade pizza also allows you to customize the toppings to your liking and experiment with flavors. Additionally, preparing the dough from scratch can be a fun and satisfying experience, especially when you see the final product come together in the oven.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pizza

If you’re fortunate enough to have leftover pizza, storing and reheating it properly is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. To store leftover pizza, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Reheat it in the oven at a low temperature to help restore the crust’s crispiness. If you’re in a rush, you can use a microwave, though the crust may not be as crispy. Reheated pizza can still be delicious when done properly.

Pairing Drinks with Your Pizza

When it comes to pairing drinks with pizza, a refreshing beverage can help balance the rich flavors of the cheese and the spiciness of the jalapeños. A cold beer, especially a light lager or pilsner, complements the pizza’s flavors without overwhelming them. Alternatively, a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, works well with the acidity of the tomato sauce. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling water or a cold iced tea are great options.

The Role of Texture in Pizza

Texture plays an important role in the enjoyment of pizza. The soft, fluffy dough combined with the melted cheese creates a satisfying mouthfeel, while the crispy pepperoni and jalapeños add a delightful crunch. This balance of textures is what makes pizza so enjoyable. The key is to not overbake the crust, ensuring it’s crisp on the outside while remaining soft and airy on the inside.

The Versatility of Pizza for Different Diets

Pizza can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences and restrictions. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the regular pizza dough for a gluten-free alternative. Those who follow a vegetarian diet can omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables. There are also dairy-free cheese options for those with lactose intolerance. By making small adjustments, this pizza can be customized to suit a wide range of dietary needs.

Why Homemade Pizza Is Better Than Delivery

While ordering pizza from your favorite pizzeria is convenient, homemade pizza offers unparalleled freshness and customization. You can use the best quality ingredients, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and experiment with new flavor combinations. The process of making pizza from scratch also allows you to bond with family and friends, making it a fun and rewarding experience. The end result is a hot, fresh pizza that’s tailored exactly to your liking.

The History of Pizza

Pizza’s origins can be traced back to Italy, where it evolved from flatbreads topped with simple ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and cheese. The modern pizza, topped with tomato sauce and a variety of meats and cheeses, was developed in Naples in the 18th century. Pizza spread to other countries, particularly the United States, where it became a staple of American cuisine. Today, pizza is one of the most popular foods worldwide, with endless variations and flavor combinations.

How to Make Pizza Night Special

Pizza night is a fun tradition that brings people together. To make it even more special, consider making the pizza preparation a group activity. Set up a pizza station where everyone can choose their own toppings, allowing everyone to create their own custom pizza. Pair the pizzas with a fun dessert, such as chocolate lava cakes or homemade ice cream, and enjoy the evening with family or friends.

Conclusion

The triple cheese, pepperoni, and jalapeño pizza is an exciting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any pizza lover. Its balanced combination of cheese, meat, and heat makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to customize based on personal preferences.