
Is That Pepperoni From Trader Joe’s Or Did You Just Burn A Pizza?
“Everything you see I owe to spaghetti.” — Sophia Loren
Well, it seems like you’ve stumbled upon a revelation with Trader Joe’s Ciao Pizza Prima Pepperoni. Now, let’s put this so-called “pepperoni” to good use in a recipe that might actually redeem its reputation.
Crispy Pepperoni Pizza with Arugula Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Trader Joe’s Ciao Pizza Prima Pepperoni
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange the Ciao Pizza Prima Pepperoni on top of the cheese.
- Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- While the pizza is baking, toss the arugula with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Once the pizza is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, top the pizza with the dressed arugula.
- Slice the pizza, serve, and enjoy!
Wine Pairing
This crispy pepperoni pizza pairs beautifully with a bright and fruity red wine like a Chianti. I recommend the 2016 Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico from Tuscany, Italy. Its vibrant acidity and cherry notes complement the salty and savory flavors of the pepperoni and the peppery arugula salad.
Bon Appétit
If you’ve crafted this Crispy Pepperoni Pizza with Arugula Salad without transforming it into a floppy, greasy mess that even the neighborhood raccoons would pass on, then you’re on your way to pizza perfection. Craving more culinary adventures that transport you to a pizzeria in Naples with each bite? Hit that subscribe button for a journey through the world of pizza possibilities. And if you’ve balanced the crispy pepperoni, gooey cheese, and peppery arugula in perfect harmony, please, share your culinary secrets in the comments. Or, perhaps in the spirit of pizza purity, it’s best to quietly savor your Crispy Pepperoni Pizza with Arugula Salad, knowing that sometimes the best pizzas are the ones enjoyed with good company and great conversation.
