Tavern Style Pizza with crispy crust and delicious toppings served on a wooden board.

why make this recipe

Tavern Style Pizza is a beloved favorite for many reasons. It brings a cozy, communal feel to dining with its shared slices and delicious toppings. This pizza has a thicker, crispy crust that’s easy to enjoy with a variety of toppings, making it perfect for gatherings with family and friends. Making your own Tavern Style Pizza at home allows you to customize it exactly how you like, and it’s a fun activity that everyone can join in on!

how to make Tavern Style Pizza

Ingredients:

Pizza dough
Tomato sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni
Sliced mushrooms
Bell peppers
Onions
Olive oil
Italian seasoning

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Transfer the dough to a greased baking sheet.
Spread a layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Add pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions to your liking.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, slice, and enjoy your homemade tavern style pizza!

how to serve Tavern Style Pizza

Serve your Tavern Style Pizza hot right out of the oven. Slice it into large pieces for sharing. This pizza goes great with a side salad or some garlic bread. You can also offer additional toppings on the side for guests to customize their slices even further. Enjoy it with friends and family for a fun meal!

how to store Tavern Style Pizza

To store leftover Tavern Style Pizza, let it cool completely. Then, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until it’s warm and crispy again.

tips to make Tavern Style Pizza

Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to ensure a nice, crispy crust.
Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination. Consider adding olives, artichokes, or even spicy sausage.
If you prefer a thicker crust, raise the edges of the dough slightly before adding toppings.
For extra flavor, try seasoning the olive oil with garlic or fresh herbs before drizzling it on the pizza.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe to make a vegetarian version by skipping the pepperoni and adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or unique cheeses. Another option is to turn it into a BBQ chicken pizza by using BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and adding cooked chicken pieces.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A: Yes, store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe.

Q: What type of cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
A: You can use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses for added flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the leftover pizza?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover slices. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they can last for about a month.