Combine flour, yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Stir to combine, then add water. Mix on low speed until dough comes together into a rough ball, then let rest for 10 minutes. Continue mixing at medium-low speed until dough forms a smooth ball, about 10 minutes.

Remove dough hook, form dough into a tight ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit in a warm place until dough has roughly doubled in volume, about 2 hours.

If using a food processor, combine flour, yeast, and salt, pulse to combine, add water, and process until dough forms a ball that rides around the bowl, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl, form a tight ball, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.

If making dough by hand, combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl, whisk to combine, then add water and stir until a rough ball of dough forms. Set aside for 10 minutes, then knead until a smooth ball forms, about 10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 2 hours.

Pour a couple tablespoons of olive oil into a Detroit-style anodized aluminum pan or two 8- by 8-inch cake pans. Transfer dough to pan(s), coat in oil and press to spread toward edges. Cover tightly with plastic and rest for 30 minutes, then stretch to reach edges and cover again.

Preheat oven to 550°F (290°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, then add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar to the saucepan. Simmer until reduced to about 3 cups, about 30 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

Press down on dough to remove air bubbles and lay half of pepperoni (if using) evenly over dough. Top with cheese, then add remaining pepperoni, and spoon sauce over in 3 even rows.

Bake until edges are black and bubbly, and cheese is starting to brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and loosen edges with a spatula, then transfer to a cutting board. Cut pizza and serve.