In a Stand Mixer: Combine flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl with a dough hook. Stir to combine, then add water. Mix on low until dough comes together into a rough ball, then shut off and let rest for 10 minutes. Continue mixing at medium-low speed until dough forms a smooth, silky ball, about 10 minutes longer. (Should stick to the bottom of the bowl as it kneads.) Remove dough hook, form dough into a tight ball, set in the bottom of the mixer bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place until dough has roughly doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

Pour olive oil in the bottom of a Detroit-style pan or two 8x8 cake pans. Transfer dough and turn to coat in oil. Press down and spread toward edges without tearing. Cover in plastic and set aside for 30 mins to relax. Return and stretch it out again. It should reach the edges this time. If not, rest a little more and try again. Helps to stretch it up beyond the corners so that it pulls back into place. Cover again while you make the sauce. Adjust oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven to 550°

For the Sauce:. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced to about 3 cups, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt.

To Form the Pizza: Press down on dough with your fingertips to remove any large air bubbles. Lay half of pepperoni (if using) evenly over face of dough. Top with cheese, spreading it evenly all the way to the very edges of the pan, then add remaining pepperoni. Spoon sauce over surface in 3 even rows. (You will need only about half the sauce-save the rest for another pizza.)

Transfer to oven and bake until edges are black and bubbly and exposed cheese on top is starting to lightly brown, 12 to 15 mins. Transfer to ar folded kitchen towel on countertop.

Run a thin metal spatula all the way around the edges of the pan to loosen the pizza. Carefully lift it out and slide it onto a cutting board. Cut pizza and serve.