Name: Thick Crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza with Garlic Dip
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup warm water; 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup pizza sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup pepperoni slices; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp chili flakes (optional); ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sour cream; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; ½ tsp lemon juice; Salt to taste

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Thick Crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza with Garlic Dip is the definition of indulgent comfort food. This homemade pizza features a golden, pillowy crust with a bubbling layer of melted mozzarella and spicy pepperoni slices, finished with herbs and garlic for an aromatic punch. Served alongside a creamy, tangy garlic dip, this is a crave-worthy meal that delivers on flavor, texture, and aesthetic appeal. Perfect for parties, cozy nights in, or anyone who considers pizza a love language.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thick, chewy crust with a golden, crisp exterior
Rich tomato base topped with gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni
Homemade garlic dip adds extra flavor and fun for dunking
Baked to perfection with bubbling cheese and crisped edges
Perfect for sharing—or not
Customizable with your favorite toppings or spice level
Ideal for pizza nights, game day, or weekend treats
Easy-to-follow dough for beginners and enthusiasts alike
Aesthetic enough to share, satisfying enough to devour
Delicious hot, warm, or even cold

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the dough:
all-purpose flour
warm water
active dry yeast
olive oil
sugar
salt

For the toppings:
pizza sauce
shredded mozzarella cheese
pepperoni slices
dried oregano
chili flakes (optional)
garlic powder

For the garlic dip:
mayonnaise
sour cream
garlic, finely minced
lemon juice
salt to taste

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms (about 8 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer).
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface into a large round, shaping a thick crust around the edge. Transfer to a pizza stone or baking tray.
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the base. Top with shredded mozzarella, then layer on the pepperoni slices. Sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, and chili flakes if using.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Meanwhile, prepare the garlic dip by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Slice the hot pizza and serve with the garlic dip in the center or on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per slice

Variations

Cheese-Stuffed Crust: Add mozzarella sticks to the crust before sealing for extra indulgence.
Vegetarian Option: Replace pepperoni with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Extra Meaty: Add crumbled sausage or bacon along with the pepperoni.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend or pre-made GF crust.
Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or add jalapeños.
BBQ Twist: Swap tomato sauce with BBQ sauce and use smoked cheese.
White Pizza Version: Omit the tomato sauce and use garlic butter or ricotta as a base.
Dough Flavor Boost: Add garlic powder or Italian herbs to the dough itself.
Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the hot pizza before serving.
Buffalo Style: Drizzle with buffalo sauce before serving and serve with ranch.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat to re-crisp the crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve crispiness. The garlic dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days as well.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before rolling out.

What if I don’t have a pizza stone?

A regular baking sheet works just fine. For a crisper base, preheat the sheet in the oven before placing the pizza on it.

Can I use store-bought dough?

Absolutely. Store-bought dough is a time-saving option and works well with this recipe.

How do I get a thick, fluffy crust?

Let the dough rise fully and avoid rolling it too thin. Shaping a higher edge helps retain the puffiness.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella is traditional, but you can mix it with provolone, fontina, or cheddar for added flavor.

Is this pizza spicy?

Only if you add chili flakes. It’s easy to adjust the heat level to your taste.

Can I freeze the pizza?

You can freeze the dough before baking or freeze baked slices for reheating later. Wrap tightly and use within one month.

How do I keep the pepperoni from curling?

Place a light sprinkle of cheese over the pepperoni to help it stay flat as it cooks.

Can I make the garlic dip dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with vegan mayo and a dairy-free sour cream alternative.

What other dips go well with this pizza?

Ranch, marinara, or even spicy sriracha mayo are great alternatives.

Conclusion

This Thick Crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza with Garlic Dip is the ultimate at-home pizzeria experience. With its golden crust, melty cheese, and savory toppings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings flavor, comfort, and visual appeal to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a gathering or indulging solo, this pizza delivers everything a pizza lover craves—plus a creamy dip that takes it over the top.

Thick Crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza with Garlic Dip

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This Thick Crust Pepperoni Cheese Pizza is everything a pizza lover dreams of—pillowy, golden crust, bubbling melted mozzarella, spicy pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs. Served with a rich, creamy garlic dipping sauce in the center, it’s the perfect centerpiece for game nights, cozy weekends, or any comfort food craving.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 slices
Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll out the dough into a large circle with a thick outer crust.
Spread pizza sauce over the base. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, oregano, garlic powder, and optional chili flakes.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
While baking, mix all garlic dip ingredients in a small bowl. Chill for 10 minutes.
Slice pizza and serve with garlic dip in the center for dunking.

Notes

For a crispier bottom, preheat a pizza stone or bake directly on an oven rack.
Add stuffed crust by folding mozzarella sticks into the outer edge before baking.
Dip can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.