Description
This heart-shaped pizza recipe is a charming and delicious meal perfect for special occasions or a fun twist on classic pizza night. Featuring a homemade yeast dough crust brushed with a flavorful seasoned garlic oil, topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, and basil, this pizza combines classic Italian flavors with a unique presentation. The recipe includes detailed instructions for making the dough from scratch, resting, rolling the dough into a heart shape, and baking it to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free or regular)
- 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ Teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ Teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ Teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1 Cup water (warm)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Seasoned Oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- ½ Teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
Toppings
- Pizza sauce (any kind, as needed)
- Mozzarella cheese (fresh, small balls or slices)
- Basil (fresh leaves)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Pepperoni (gluten-free if needed)
- Parmesan cheese (shredded, for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey, then add the active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until the yeast blooms and becomes foamy.
- Mix Dough: Once the yeast is foamy, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with all the remaining dough ingredients (flour, parmesan, baking powder, salt). Mix well until a thick and sticky dough forms.
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball in the bowl, drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top, then cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm place for 45 to 90 minutes, allowing the dough to rise and develop flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Roll the Dough: Lightly oil a cookie sheet or pizza pan. Roll out the rested dough directly onto the pan and shape it gently into a heart. Allow the shaped dough to rest for another 15 minutes on the pan.
- Make Seasoned Oil: Combine butter, remaining olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for about 10 seconds until melted, then stir to combine.
- Brush the Crust: Generously brush the seasoned garlic oil mixture over the entire surface of the dough, making sure to coat all edges evenly.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the prepared crust in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until it is set and no longer doughy, but not yet browned.
- Add Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over it. Arrange fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni, and sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese on top.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Turn the oven temperature up to 500°F (260°C) to finish baking the pizza.
- Bake the Assembled Pizza: Bake the pizza for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the toppings are golden and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top, slice the pizza into desired shapes, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pepperoni.
- To deepen the yeast flavor, allow the dough to rest for the full 90 minutes instead of 45.
- You can customize toppings based on preference; just be sure they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Preheating the oven properly is key to a crisp crust.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during the final bake to avoid burning the cheese and toppings.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
