Heart Shaped Beef Pepperoni (Printable)
A festive pizza with crisp crust, savory beef pepperoni, and melted mozzarella in a heart shape.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet instant dry yeast (7 g)
03 - 1 tsp sugar
04 - 3/4 tsp salt
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 cup warm water
→ Sauce
07 - 1 cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
08 - 1 clove garlic, minced
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1/4 tsp dried basil
11 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Toppings
12 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 4 oz beef pepperoni, sliced
14 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
16 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 475°F. Place pizza stone in oven if using to heat thoroughly.
02 - Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add olive oil and warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes.
04 - Divide dough in half. Roll each half into a ball, then flatten and shape into large heart approximately 10-12 inches across on floured baking sheet or parchment paper.
05 - Combine tomato passata, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in small bowl. Spread sauce evenly over each heart-shaped dough.
06 - Sprinkle mozzarella over sauce. Arrange beef pepperoni slices in decorative pattern. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
07 - Brush crust edges with olive oil.
08 - Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The beef pepperoni gets these perfectly crispy edges that make every bite feel like a treat
- Homemade dough is easier than you think and infinitely better than store bought
- Heart shaped food just hits different even when its not February
02 -
- Do not overload the sauce or the crust will get soggy in the middle
- Pepperoni shrinks as it cooks so space them closer than you think you need to
- The heart shape will puff and distort slightly in the oven and that is completely fine
03 -
- Brush the crust with garlic butter mixed with a little Parmesan right after baking
- Red pepper flakes in the sauce add a gentle heat that cuts through the cheese