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Classic cheese pepper pizza

Featured in Homemade pizzas just how you like them.

Inspired by the Roman dish Cacio e Pepe, this easy pizza blends mozzarella, pecorino, and black pepper for a burst of flavor.
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 26 Mar 2025 12:54:58 GMT
A golden crust cheese pizza topped with melted cheese and cracked black pepper. Pin it
A golden crust cheese pizza topped with melted cheese and cracked black pepper. | tastyhush.com

My Cacio e Pepe pizza puts a tasty spin on the Italian classic, using a no-knead rustic dough. When you mix Pecorino cheese with freshly ground black pepper, you get a simple yet fancy treat that all pizza lovers will enjoy.

What makes this pizza special

What's great about this dish is how uncomplicated it is. The rustic crust works so well with the strong Pecorino flavor and the kick from freshly ground black pepper. It's a down-to-earth recipe that really shows off how good basic ingredients can be.

Must-have ingredients

  • Pizza dough: One portion of no-knead dough made a day ahead for better taste.
  • Olive oil: 60ml of good quality oil to bring out the flavors.
  • Mozzarella: 180g shredded if you want that stretchy cheese pull.
  • Pecorino: 350g grated - the main player with its salty, nutty kick.
  • Black pepper: 60g freshly ground for a bold taste.

Step-by-step directions

The dough
I gently spread my no-knead dough on a floured surface until it's just the right thickness.
The oven
I heat my oven to 260°C with the pizza stone inside.
The assembly
I brush plenty of olive oil then add mozzarella, Pecorino, and a good amount of freshly ground pepper.
The baking
I let it cook for 8-10 minutes until the crust turns crispy and golden.
The serving
I bring it straight to the table to enjoy the rich cheese and pepper flavors.

Tips for the best results

The real trick is using freshly ground pepper and good Pecorino. A well-heated pizza stone makes sure you get a crispy crust. Sometimes I throw on a thin layer of mozzarella to make it extra indulgent.

A large golden flatbread topped with olive oil and spices sits on parchment paper. Pin it
A large golden flatbread topped with olive oil and spices sits on parchment paper. | tastyhush.com

Perfect pairings

This pizza goes really well with a light salad like Caprese or Panzanella. For a bigger meal, I sometimes serve it alongside a nice ribeye steak. It's so versatile you can enjoy it any time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why choose a no-knead dough?
A no-knead dough makes prep simple and creates a great texture with airy bubbles in the crust.
→ Is mozzarella truly optional?
It is! Traditional versions only use pecorino, but mozzarella adds creaminess. Either way, it’s tasty.
→ What pepper works best?
Go for freshly cracked black pepper. The pre-ground stuff won't give the same bite or texture.
→ How do you make the crust crispy?
Make sure to preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for a good amount of time. High heat is key!
→ Can I prep this ahead?
The dough is fine to make in advance, but assemble and bake the pizza fresh. Serve it right away for the best taste.

Classic cheese pepper pizza

This pizza twist on the Roman pasta classic is topped with mozzarella, pecorino, and freshly ground black pepper.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Pizza

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (1 medium-sized pizza)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup of freshly ground black pepper.
02 1 1/2 cups of grated Pecorino cheese.
03 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
04 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
05 1 premade no-knead pizza dough (1/3 of the batch).

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to its highest temperature, about 500°F (260°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to warm up.

Step 02

Roll or spread the dough to your preferred size.

Step 03

Coat the dough generously with olive oil.

Step 04

Sprinkle on the mozzarella first, then top it off with Pecorino cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 05

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is puffy and golden underneath. If desired, broil for 2 minutes to give the top some charred spots.

Step 06

Using a pizza oven? Bake it for 3-5 minutes for the ideal crust.

Step 07

Slice it up and serve right away.

Notes

  1. High heat is key to achieving a crispy crust.
  2. For the best flavor, use coarsely crushed black pepper that’s freshly ground.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet or pizza stone.
  • Oven.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 18 g