Upside-down Sheet Pan Pizza

Name: Upside-Down Sheet Pan Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 6 to 8 ounces of sliced pepperoni; 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese; 6 slices of mozzarella cheese; Italian seasoning; 4 to 5 ounces of pizza sauce; pizza crust; 1 Egg (optional (for egg wash)); sesame seeds (optional); hot honey (optional)

Watch Me Make It

Upside-down sheet pan pizza bakes its toppings against the pan before the finished pie is turned over for serving. The flip reveals a richly browned, cohesive topping layer beneath the crust, with pepperoni, cheese, and sauce in every slice. Sesame seeds and hot honey provide easy finishing touches if you like them.

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Why This Recipe Works

Spreading the toppings evenly across the pan helps prevent sparse slices and gives the finished pizza a more consistent texture. Pressing the crust firmly around the perimeter is equally important because it helps contain the sauce and melted cheese while the pizza bakes and when it is flipped.

Upside-down sheet pan pizza being prepared.

Ingredients

6 to 8 ounces of sliced pepperoni
½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices of mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning
4 to 5 ounces of pizza sauce
pizza crust
1 Egg (optional, for egg wash)
sesame seeds (optional)
hot honey (optional)

How to Make It

Lay down 6 to 8 ounces of sliced pepperoni on a clean baking sheet. Add about a half cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pepperoni.

Place six slices of mozzarella cheese on top to cover. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top.

Spoon on 4 to 5 ounces of your favorite pizza sauce on top of the slices of mozzarella cheese. Put your pizza crust on top and press the edges down against the baking sheet to seal it.

Brush an egg wash mixture on top of the crust. Add sesame seeds liberally on top, optional but recommended.

Hand sprinkling sesame seeds over dough on a baking tray.

Place in an oven that has been preheated to 400 degrees. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the top is a deep golden brown but not burning.

Sesame seed-topped pizza crust baking in a rectangular pan in the oven.

Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven - this is important to let everything meld together. Flip it over, cut up, and serve with hot honey, optional but recommended.

Tips and Variations

Let the pizza rest on the baking sheet before flipping so the melted cheese and sauce can settle into a more stable layer for cleaner slicing. For a safer flip, keep the baking sheet and receiving surface closely aligned, support both securely, and use oven mitts to protect your hands from the hot pan. An egg wash encourages a glossy, well-browned crust and helps the sesame seeds adhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I bake the upside-down sheet pan pizza at?

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the pizza for 15 to 18 minutes.

How do I know when the pizza is done?

Bake until the crust is a deep golden brown, but not burning.

Why do I need to let the pizza cool before flipping it?

Let it cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes so the ingredients can meld together before flipping and slicing.

Do I need to use egg wash and sesame seeds?

The egg wash is used to brush the top of the crust. Sesame seeds are optional, but recommended.

What should I serve with this pizza?

Flip, slice, and serve with hot honey if desired. Hot honey is optional but recommended.

Serving Ideas

Drizzle hot honey over individual slices, or serve the pizza with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

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