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Perfect Crispy Heart-Shaped Pepperoni Pizza

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A quick and easy homemade heart-shaped pepperoni pizza with a perfectly crispy crust and flavorful toppings, ideal for celebrations or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon (4g) sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon (1g) dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella preferred)
  • 20–25 pepperoni slices
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water (110°F/43°C), sugar, and yeast. Stir lightly and let sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: Add olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until dough starts coming together, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional sugar in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  5. Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough, roll or stretch into a 10-12 inch (25-30 cm) heart shape on a floured surface.
  6. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Preheat pizza stone inside oven for at least 30 minutes if using.
  7. Assemble pizza: Transfer dough to parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Spread thin layer of sauce leaving ½-inch border. Sprinkle mozzarella, arrange pepperoni slices, and drizzle olive oil.
  8. Bake: Slide pizza onto preheated stone or place baking sheet in oven. Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and crisp, pepperoni edges curled, and cheese bubbling.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove pizza, cool on rack for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra crispiness, pre-bake the shaped dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings. Use thin layers of sauce and cheese to avoid soggy crust. Place pepperoni on top of cheese for crispy edges. Rest pizza on a cooling rack after baking to maintain crispiness. If no pizza stone, preheat an upside-down baking sheet.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart-shaped pizza, pepperoni pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, romantic dinner, pizza dough, pizza sauce

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/perfect-crispy-heart-shaped-pepperoni-pizza-recipe-easy-homemade-step-by-step/