Heart Shaped Pizza
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
465 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Heart Shaped Pizza
Description
This recipe begins by shaping pizza dough into a 16-inch heart on a floured surface, then docking the crust and pre-baking it to prevent bubbles. Pepperoni slices are halved and cut into small hearts, briefly microwaved to reduce grease, and dried on paper towels before use. After pre-baking, the crust is topped with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the prepared pepperoni hearts. The pizza is then baked again until the crust is golden and the pepperoni has crisped slightly.
The texture contrasts crunchiness from the crust edges with melted, stretchy cheese and savory, slightly spicy pepperoni pieces. Brushing the crust with olive oil before the first bake enhances browning. Fresh parsley or basil sprinkled after baking adds a bright herbal aroma and flavor. Letting the pizza stand before slicing allows the cheese to set slightly.
This pizza works well for themed meals or celebrations and can be served on its own or alongside salad or appetizers. Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen with suggested reheating methods to preserve quality. The dough can be homemade or purchased, and the pizza can also be flash-frozen unbaked and baked from frozen later.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 30 lices pepperoni
- ¼ cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
- 2 tablespoons parsley optional, chopped, or basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a pizza pan with parchment paper, and set aside.
- Fold each pepperoni in half and cut it into heart shapes using kitchen shears. Place on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 15 seconds on high. Dab any excess grease off, and set aside.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough into a heart shape, about 16 inches tall. Fold edges over and press to create the crust.
- Transfer the pizza dough to a prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then dock the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming.
- Place in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove and spread sauce over top, then add cheese and pepperoni.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the pepperoni is crispy. Remove from the oven and top with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.
Notes
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for 1-2 months.
- Reheat leftovers using a microwave or low-temperature oven to maintain texture.
- For freezer meals, assemble pizzas without fully baking, freeze flat, then bake from frozen until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Homemade dough and sauce recipes can be used as alternatives to store-bought.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 465 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2g | |
| Calories | 465kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 27g | 42% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 64mg | 21% |
| Sodium | 1183mg | 49% |
| Potassium | 115mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 506IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 384mg | 38% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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