🌿 Introduction

This Mediterranean-inspired pizza combines the rustic heartiness of a traditional pepperoni pizza with the vibrant, sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean region. Imagine a crispy sheet-pan crust layered with a fragrant tomato-herb sauce, golden cheese, savory pepperoni, and a subtle drizzle of extra virgin olive oil — finished with aromatic oregano, garlic, and optional hints of feta or kalamata olives for an extra Mediterranean kick.

🧺 Ingredients

For the Dough (Homemade Option)

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or 2 ½ cups all-purpose + 1 cup semolina for crunch)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 105–110°F / 40°C)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp dried oregano (optional, for Mediterranean aroma)

Shortcut: You can use pre-made pizza dough (about 1.5 lbs or 680g) if short on time.

For the Mediterranean Tomato Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional for richness)

For the Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded provolone or fontina (optional)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (for Mediterranean touch)
  • 40–50 pepperoni slices
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • A drizzle of olive oil (for finishing)

Optional Mediterranean Garnishes:

  • Kalamata olives (sliced)
  • Roasted red peppers (thinly sliced)
  • Fresh basil or arugula (added after baking)
  • A sprinkle of sumac or za’atar (for aromatic flair)

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Add olive oil, salt, oregano, and flour (start with 3 cups, adding more as needed).
  3. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Mediterranean Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, paprika, and sugar.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning — you want a balanced, tangy, herbaceous flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
  2. Line a large sheet pan (about 13×18 inches) with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
  3. Once dough is risen, stretch or roll it out to fit the sheet pan. (If the dough resists stretching, let it rest 5–10 minutes, then try again.)

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread a thin, even layer of Mediterranean tomato sauce over the dough.
  2. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone evenly across the top.
  3. Add the pepperoni slices in neat rows (as shown in your image).
  4. Scatter crumbled feta, olives, or roasted peppers if using.
  5. Lightly sprinkle with oregano, garlic powder, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 14–18 minutes, or until:
    • The cheese is bubbly and golden.
    • The pepperoni edges are slightly crisp.
    • The crust is golden brown underneath.
  2. For extra crispness, you can bake on a lower rack for the last 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

  • Once baked, remove from oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes.
  • Add optional fresh toppings (basil, arugula, or a sprinkle of za’atar).
  • Slice into squares — perfect for sharing, Mediterranean-style!

🍷 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Mediterranean Pepperoni Pizza with:

  • A crisp glass of chilled rosé or Pinot Grigio.
  • A side salad of cucumber, tomato, feta, and olives with lemon-oregano dressing.
  • A small dish of spicy olive oil or tzatziki for dipping crusts.

🧀 Tips & Variations

  • Healthier Crust: Substitute half of the flour with whole wheat or spelt flour.
  • No Yeast Option: Use Greek yogurt flatbread dough (1 cup flour + ¾ cup Greek yogurt + pinch of salt).
  • Spice Boost: Add harissa or Aleppo pepper to the sauce for a North African twist.
  • Vegetarian Version: Skip pepperoni and top with artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted eggplant.