Heart Shaped Beef Pepperoni Pizza (Printable version)

A crisp crust pizza topped with zesty tomato sauce, mozzarella, beef pepperoni, and fresh basil in a heart shape.

# List of ingredients:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 tsp instant dry yeast
03 - 1/2 tsp sugar
04 - 1/2 tsp salt
05 - 2/3 cup lukewarm water
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Sauce

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

→ Toppings

11 - 5 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
12 - 3 oz beef pepperoni slices
13 - Small handful fresh basil leaves
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing crust
15 - Optional pinch crushed red pepper flakes

# Directions:

01 - Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in lukewarm water and olive oil, stirring until incorporated. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer to a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour until doubled in volume.
02 - Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a heart shape approximately 1/4 inch thick. Transfer carefully to the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Spread tomato sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Season sauce with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Distribute shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then arrange beef pepperoni slices in an overlapping pattern. Optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for added heat.
04 - Brush the exposed crust edges with olive oil. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles and begins to brown in spots. Monitor closely during the final minutes to prevent over-browning.
05 - Remove from oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza to preserve aroma and color. Let rest for 2 to 3 minutes before slicing to allow cheese to set. Serve warm while the crust remains crisp.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The heart shape somehow makes everything taste more romantic, even on a random Tuesday
  • Homemade dough creates that perfect crispy-chewy crust you cant get from delivery
  • Beef pepperoni adds a satisfying richness that balances the bright fresh basil
02 -
  • Overworking the dough while shaping will make it tough, so handle it gently once it's rolled out
  • Letting the pizza cool for those few minutes before slicing prevents all the cheese from sliding off
  • A very hot oven is non-negotiable for that crisp-chewy crust texture
03 -
  • Room temperature dough is much easier to shape than cold dough straight from the fridge
  • A little cornmeal on the baking sheet adds restaurant-style crunch to the bottom crust

Go back