Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza (Printable version)
Festive heart-shaped pizza featuring crispy crust, zesty tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and halal pepperoni slices.
# Ingredient list:
→ Dough
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2/3 cup warm water
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Sauce
07 - 1/2 cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Toppings
12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 2.8 ounces halal pepperoni slices
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat your oven to 465°F or as high as it will go. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
02 - In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Roll out the dough into a large heart shape, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
05 - Mix tomato passata with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
06 - Sprinkle mozzarella over the sauce. Arrange halal pepperoni slices in a decorative pattern.
07 - Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, slice, and serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of crispy-edged homemade dough and molten cheese creates that perfect pull when you grab a slice – something even the best delivery places rarely achieve.
- Shaping the pizza into a heart transforms an ordinary meal into an event, making even a random Tuesday feel like a celebration.
02 -
- Starting with an oven thats truly hot is non-negotiable – I learned the hard way that a lukewarm oven leads to soggy, pale pizza no matter how perfect your dough.
- Letting the shaped dough rest for just 5 minutes before adding toppings helps prevent it from shrinking back while baking.
03 -
- When working with pepperoni, place slices between paper towels and microwave for 15 seconds before topping the pizza – this removes excess grease that would otherwise pool on your cheese.
- For the crispiest bottom crust, preheat your baking sheet or stone for at least 30 minutes before sliding the pizza onto it.