Pin It This heart-shaped pizza combines a crisp, homemade dough with a rich and tangy tomato sauce, layered with melted mozzarella and savory beef pepperoni slices. Fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish, making this dish both visually charming and packed with classic Italian-American flavors. Perfect for a special meal, it bakes to golden perfection, offering a wonderful balance of textures and taste.
The dough is prepared from all-purpose flour, yeast, and olive oil, creating a tender yet sturdy base. After rising, it’s shaped into a heart before spreading the sauce and toppings. Baking at high heat melts the cheese and crisps the crust. Brushing the edges with olive oil ensures a golden, flavorful crust. Fresh basil scattered over the hot pizza adds a fresh herbal note to every bite.
My daughter begged me to make heart shaped everything last February, and this pizza was the winner that actually tasted incredible. The way the beef pepperoni curls up at the edges in the oven creates these little crispy cups that catch all the cheese flavor. Weve made it three times since, and my husband now requests the heart shape even when its not Valentines Day.
Last Friday I had my best friend over for what was supposed to be a quick dinner catch-up. She walked in just as I was pulling this pizza from the oven, and we ended up eating it standing at the counter because neither of us wanted to wait for a proper table setup. The aroma of that bubbling cheese and pepperoni filled the entire kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for holding that heart shape while still baking up light and crisp
- Instant dry yeast: Skip the proofing step entirely and get right to the dough making
- Lukewarm water: The temperature should feel like a warm bath, about 105°F, to activate yeast without killing it
- Olive oil: Adds tenderness to the dough and creates that gorgeous golden sheen on the baked crust
- Tomato passata: Smoother and more concentrated than canned tomatoes, giving you restaurant-style sauce
- Dried oregano and garlic powder: Classic Italian seasonings that bloom in the heat and infuse every bite
- Mozzarella cheese: Shred it yourself from a block for better melt, or buy pre-shredded for convenience
- Beef pepperoni slices: The all-beef variety has less grease and more pronounced meaty flavor than pork versions
- Fresh basil leaves: Toss them on right after baking so they wilt slightly but keep their bright, peppery punch
Instructions
- Mix up your dough:
- Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then pour in the water and olive oil. Stir until it comes together in a shaggy mass, then turn onto a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and springy to the touch.
- Let it rise:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and set it somewhere warm. The dough should double in size, which takes about an hour in a cozy kitchen.
- Shape your heart:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F with a baking sheet inside. Punch down the risen dough, roll it out on a floured surface, and use your hands to gently coax it into a heart shape about 1/4 inch thick.
- Layer on the goodness:
- Spread that seasoned tomato sauce almost to the edges, leaving a small border for the crust. Pile on the mozzarella first, then arrange your beef pepperoni in whatever pattern makes you smile.
- Bake to perfection:
- Brush the exposed crust with olive oil for that golden finish, then slide the whole thing onto your hot baking sheet. Let it bake for 14 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and those pepperoni edges are curling up deliciously.
- Add the finishing touch:
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza immediately so they release their oils into the cheese. Let it rest for just a couple of minutes before slicing.
Pin It This pizza became our go-to anniversary dinner after I accidentally made it on the wrong date. We were celebrating our date night a week early due to scheduling conflicts, and now it is a happy mistake we repeat every year.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have in the fridge or whoever youre cooking for. The heart shape works with any topping combination.
Perfecting The Heart Shape
Start with a rough oval and use your hands to indent the top center for that distinctive dip. The two rounded lobes at the top should be slightly wider than the point at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
A light red wine like Chianti cuts through the richness beautifully, or go with sparkling Italian soda for a family-friendly option. The basil adds a fresh finish that makes each bite feel complete.
- Slice it right down the center for perfect halves to share
- Serve with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
- Wrap any leftovers in foil and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes
Pin It There is something about pulling a heart shaped pizza from the oven that makes everyone smile, even on an ordinary Thursday evening.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the dough into a perfect heart?
-
Roll the dough evenly on a floured surface, then gently pinch and form the dough into a heart shape. Use your fingers to refine the edges and ensure uniform thickness before adding toppings.
- → Can I substitute beef pepperoni with another topping?
-
Yes, alternatives like turkey slices or plant-based pepperoni work well and offer different flavor profiles without compromising texture.
- → What is the best way to get a crispy crust?
-
Bake the pizza at a high temperature (around 230°C/450°F) on parchment paper, and brush the crust edges with olive oil before baking to enhance crispiness and color.
- → How fresh basil contributes to the overall flavor?
-
Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly sweet and peppery aroma that complements the rich tomato sauce and savory pepperoni, providing a refreshing contrast.
- → Can I prepare the dough in advance?
-
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before shaping and baking.
