Heart Shaped Beef Pepperoni Pizza

The first time I attempted a heart-shaped pizza, it was Valentine's Day and I was running late. My dough looked more like a blob than anything romantic, but we laughed through it anyway. Now I shape them by hand with confidence, the beef pepperoni sizzling and filling the kitchen with that irresistible salty aroma. Something about pulling that golden heart from the oven makes ordinary pizza night feel like a celebration.

I made these for my sister's engagement dinner last winter, skeptical that heart-shaped food might feel too gimmicky. But when those heart pizzas emerged, bubbling and gorgeous, everyone's faces lit up. Now whenever I make them, I'm reminded of that evening, how something as simple as shaping dough can turn a meal into a memory.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Creates a sturdy yet tender crust that holds its heart shape beautifully
• Instant dry yeast: Skip the proofing step and get right to mixing for faster results
• Sugar: Just enough to feed the yeast and help your crust develop that gorgeous golden color
• Salt: Essential for flavor, but don't add it directly to the yeast or it will inhibit growth
• Olive oil: Keeps the dough tender and adds subtle richness to the crust
• Warm water: Should feel like bath temperature, around 100°F to wake up the yeast
• Tomato passata or pizza sauce: Passata gives a smoother sauce, but jarred pizza sauce works perfectly too
• Fresh garlic: Minced finely so it distributes evenly through the sauce
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that bloom in the heat of the oven
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Low-moisture part-skim melts best without making your crust soggy
• Beef pepperoni: Slices hold their shape and create those crispy little cups of flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that deepens the overall flavor
• Fresh basil leaves: Tear them by hand and scatter after baking for a bright, aromatic finish

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Crank it to 475°F and let your pizza stone get nice and hot if you have one

Mix the dough:

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl, then add olive oil and warm water

Knead until smooth:

Work the dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until it springs back when poked

Let it rest:

Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and relax for 10 minutes while you prep toppings

Shape your hearts:

Divide dough in half, roll into balls, then gently flatten and sculpt into hearts on parchment

Make the sauce:

Whisk together passata, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until fragrant

Assemble the pizzas:

Spread sauce, scatter mozzarella, arrange pepperoni in a pattern, and finish with Parmesan

Brush the edges:

Use a pastry brush to coat the crust with olive oil for that bakery-style golden finish

Bake to perfection:

Slide into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and crust turns golden brown

Finish and serve:

Let cool for just a minute, add fresh basil if using, then slice and serve while hot

Save

My nephew insisted on helping shape the hearts last time, and his attempt looked more like a lopsided blob. But that misshapen heart was the first one devoured, proof that enthusiasm matters more than perfection.

Shaping Without Stress

If freehand shaping feels intimidating, cut a large heart from parchment paper and use it as a template underneath your dough. The key is working with room-temperature dough and gentle, patient hands. I've found that slightly rounded edges look more charming than precise geometric hearts anyway.

Sauce Strategy

Less sauce creates a better heart-shaped pizza because too much moisture makes the crust soggy and harder to handle. Aim for a thin, even layer, leaving a slight border for the crust to expand. The garlic and dried herbs need time to infuse, so let your sauce sit for at least 15 minutes before spreading.

Pepperoni Placement

Overlap your pepperoni slices slightly and arrange them in a circular pattern from the outside in. This creates beautiful crispy edges and prevents the center from becoming overloaded with toppings. The beef pepperoni will curl and crisp in ways that add texture to every bite.

• Pat pepperoni slices with paper towels before topping to reduce excess oil
• Arrange pepperoni almost to the edge of the sauce, not the crust, for even cooking
• Let the pizzas rest on the pan for 2 minutes after baking before slicing

Save

Heart-shaped pizza has become my go-to for birthdays, anniversaries, or just random Tuesdays when we need a little extra joy. Sometimes food is simply love in edible form.

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I shape the dough into a heart?

Divide the dough in half, roll each portion into a ball, then flatten and gently shape into a large heart on a floured surface using your hands or a paper template as a guide.

→ Can I use other toppings instead of beef pepperoni?

Yes, turkey or vegetarian pepperoni work well, and you can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

→ What is the recommended oven temperature and baking time?

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and bake the pizza for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles.

→ Should I use a pizza stone or baking sheet?

Either works; a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet is convenient and effective for even baking.

→ How do I know when the pizza is fully cooked?

The crust should be golden and firm, and the cheese melted and bubbly. Cooking time is usually 12-15 minutes at the recommended temperature.