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Cozy Heart-Shaped Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza

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A quick and easy heart-shaped pizza featuring a crispy crust, melty mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni, perfect for date night or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 20–25 pepperoni slices
  • 8 ounces (225 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded or sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Optional add-ons: red pepper flakes, gluten-free flour blend (1:1 substitute), dairy-free mozzarella

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a small bowl. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour if too sticky.
  4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours until doubled in size.
  5. While dough rises, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  6. Punch down the risen dough and roll out on a floured surface into a 12 x 10 inch oval. Trim into a heart shape using a sharp knife.
  7. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
  8. Transfer dough to parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
  9. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over sauce, then arrange pepperoni slices on top. Add basil leaves if desired.
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and crisp, cheese is melted and bubbly, and pepperoni edges are crisp.
  11. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan if using, and let rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

[‘Let the dough rise fully for best texture.’, ‘Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease transfer.’, ‘Shape the dough gently to maintain crust rise.’, ‘Distribute cheese evenly to avoid sogginess.’, ‘Watch oven temperature to prevent burning.’, ‘Let pizza rest before slicing to set cheese.’, ‘Preheat pizza stone for 30 minutes if using.’, ‘Reheat leftovers in oven at 375°F for 8 minutes; avoid microwaving.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: heart-shaped pizza, pepperoni pizza, mozzarella pizza, date night recipe, easy pizza, homemade pizza, cozy dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/cozy-heart-shaped-pepperoni-and-mozzarella-pizza-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-date-night/