Heart Shaped Beef Pepperoni Pizza (Printable Version)

Crisp crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella, beef pepperoni, and fresh basil crafted into a heart-shaped delight.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pizza Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant dry yeast
03 - 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
05 - 2/3 cup lukewarm water
06 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

→ Tomato Sauce

07 - 1/2 cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Toppings

11 - 5 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 3 ounces beef pepperoni slices
13 - Small handful fresh basil leaves
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing crust
15 - Crushed red pepper flakes optional

# How to Make:

01 - Combine flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in lukewarm water and olive oil, stirring until mixture comes together. Transfer to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5 to 7 minutes until dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in warm area for 1 hour until doubled in volume.
02 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles. Roll out on lightly floured surface into heart shape approximately 1/4 inch thick, ensuring even thickness throughout. Transfer shaped dough carefully onto prepared baking sheet.
03 - Spread tomato sauce evenly over dough surface, leaving 1/2 inch border for crust. Season sauce with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Distribute shredded mozzarella cheese across sauce. Arrange beef pepperoni slices in decorative pattern, slightly overlapping for even coverage.
04 - Brush exposed crust edge lightly with olive oil for golden coloring. Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until crust turns deep golden brown and cheese bubbles completely. Monitor during final minutes to prevent over-browning.
05 - Remove pizza from oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over hot surface—residual heat will release aromatic oils. Let pizza rest for 2 to 3 minutes to allow cheese to set slightly. Slice into wedges and serve immediately while crispy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A homemade crust that beats takeout every single time
  • The way fresh basil hits hot cheese and releases its magic into the room
  • That moment when someone realizes you made pizza shaped like a heart just for them
02 -
  • Heart shapes lose their definition if the dough is too thin, so do not stretch it paper thin expecting romance
  • Pepperoni creates its own spicy oil cups that can make toppings slide off if you overdo the layering
03 -
  • Use a pizza stone if you have one, it mimics restaurant ovens by creating intense bottom heat
  • Let your dough come to room temperature before shaping to make it more cooperative

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