Fresh Tomato, Pepperoni & Ricotta Pizza – Cozy Book Club Recipe

Fresh tomato, pepperoni & ricotta pizza—no sauce, big flavor. Perfect for cozy book-club nights.

This recipe delivers all the comfort of a classic pizza with a playful twist—just the kind of dish that sets the stage for conversation, laughter, and a good story shared around the table.

There’s just something about pizza night that feels timeless—easy to share, endlessly customizable, and always tied to good memories. Whether it’s a casual dinner at home, a Friday night ritual, or a dish to bring friends together for book club, pizza is the ultimate comfort food. That’s why I love giving classic combinations a fresh spin—because even familiar flavors can surprise you when paired the right way.

Why I Love This Pizza Recipe

This Campari Tomato, Pepperoni, and Ricotta pizza isn’t your average pie—it’s a flavor-packed masterpiece that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• Unique Flavor Profile: Fresh Campari tomatoes, savory pepperoni, creamy ricotta, and Italian seasoning combine for a symphony of flavors.
• Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time—perfect for weeknights.
• Versatile: Works as a cozy dinner, casual party dish, or game day spread.

🍕 Reader-Favorite Pizza Pairings

Make it a Pizza & Pages night: set out a couple pies, pour cozy drinks, and pass around a few romance picks. This fresh Campari tomato, pepperoni, and ricotta combo plays well with small-town warmth, unexpected chemistry, and a little heat.

• Rainy Day Friends by Jill Shalvis — small-town heart, found family vibes, and comforting feels—like sharing a favorite slice.
• Not Quite Perfect by Catherine Bybee — crackling banter and layered emotions, stacked like toppings.
• A Touch for All Time by Paula Quinn — a bolder, spicier romance to match pepperoni's kick.

Hosting a club? Let everyone bring a "spice-level" read—mild (cozy), medium (slow-burn), or hot (steamy)—and vote on next month's pairing.

Explore More Book Pairings

In my experience, baking pizza on a cast iron pizza pan is as close as you can get to having a wood-burning pizza oven at home. Yet, transferring the pizza dough onto the heated pan can be quite tricky.

The game-changing trick? Parchment Paper. Assemble your pizza on a sheet of parchment paper, then slide it (paper and all) onto your hot pan. No sticking. No stress.

Fresh Campari Tomato, Pepperoni & Ricotta Pizza

Creative comfort food perfect for cozy pizza nights with your favorite book

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Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) See Recipe Notes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 Campari tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup turkey uncured pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 6–8 slices low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Tomato, Pepperoni and Ricotta Pizza on Parchment Paper

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a cast iron pizza pan inside to preheat.
2. Roll out dough on a floured surface. Transfer to parchment paper set on a cutting board/pizza peel.
3. Brush dough with olive oil, sprinkle Italian seasoning, leaving edges bare.
4. Add mozzarella slices first.
5. Layer Campari tomatoes and pepperoni.
6. Dollop ricotta cheese evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer pizza (with parchment) onto the hot cast iron pan. Return to oven.
9. Bake 8 minutes, then remove parchment carefully. Rotate and bake another 7 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
10. Cool a few minutes before slicing.
11. Top with fresh basil and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

• Dough: Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Look for it in the refrigerated section or frozen aisle of your grocery store.
• Garnish: Fresh basil leaves add brightness and a pop of color, but you can skip if you prefer a simpler finish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a pre-made gluten-free dough or make your own using blends like almond flour or chickpea flour.
• Vegan-Friendly Option: Use plant-based pepperoni and dairy-free ricotta/mozzarella for a fully vegan pie without losing the creamy, cheesy vibe.

More Pizza Recipes You Will Love

• Delicious Shrimp and Spinach Pizza: A Twist on a Classic Favorite

Italian Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza (No Tomato Sauce)

Bring bold flavors to pizza night with our Sausage, Mushroom, and Spinach Pizza, featuring garlic oil, herbs, and fresh spinach instead of tomato sauce.

Share Your Pizza & Pages Night!

Made this recipe? Tag us on social media with your pizza creation and current book read. We love seeing how you pair food and fiction!

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