Description
This delightful shaped pizza recipe features a heart-shaped crust topped with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, crispy heart-shaped pepperoni, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Perfect for a fun and visually appealing meal, this pizza is baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- 30 slices pepperoni
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper and set it aside to use later.
- Shape pepperoni hearts: Fold each pepperoni slice in half and cut into heart shapes using kitchen shears. Place the shaped pepperoni on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave on high for 15 seconds to remove excess grease. Dab with paper towel and set aside.
- Roll and shape dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the pizza dough into a heart shape approximately 16 inches tall. Fold the edges over and press firmly to form the crust border.
- Par-bake the crust: Transfer the shaped dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and dock the crust by poking fork holes across it to prevent bubbling.
- Bake crust partially: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 6 minutes until it just begins to set.
- Add toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, arranged pepperoni hearts, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Finish baking: Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the pepperoni edges become crispy.
- Garnish and rest: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use either homemade or store-bought pizza dough based on your preference and time availability.
- Microwaving the pepperoni briefly helps reduce excess grease and crisps the edges nicely.
- Docking the crust is important to avoid air bubbles forming during baking.
- Allowing the pizza to rest after baking enhances the flavor melding and makes slicing easier.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a fresh, aromatic finishing touch but are optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian