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Heart-Shaped Pepperoni and Mozzarella Pizza Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

Delight your loved ones with these charming heart-shaped pizzas, perfect for special occasions or a fun family meal. Made with a homemade dough and topped with rustic passata, fresh mozzarella, and lovingly cut heart-shaped pepperoni, these pizzas are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully cheesy inside, this recipe yields four large 12-inch pizzas with a perfectly balanced flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 500 g strong white bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 7 g fast action yeast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 350 ml lukewarm water (you may not need all of this, start with 300 ml)

Toppings

  • 350 g passata (Cirio Passata Rustica recommended)
  • 120 g pepperoni (cut into heart shapes)
  • 250 g fresh mozzarella (drained weight, torn or grated; alternatively use grated mozzarella or cheddar)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 230°C (210°C fan) / gas mark 8 / 450°F. Grease four large 12-inch (30 cm) pizza trays with a little olive oil. You can also use eight smaller trays if preferred.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and fast action yeast. Add the olive oil and stir. Gradually add lukewarm water starting with 300 ml, mixing until the dough just comes together, avoiding a sticky consistency. Add water sparingly as needed.
  3. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Divide Dough: Using a kitchen scale for accuracy, divide the dough into 4 equal portions (or 8 for smaller pizzas).
  5. Shape Dough: Roll each portion out roughly to match your pizza tray size. Place each rolled dough on a greased tray, then gently shape it into a heart by pulling the middle down at the top and pushing the sides in at the bottom to create a pointed base.
  6. Add Passata: Spoon 4 tablespoons of passata over each pizza base. Spread it evenly using the back of the spoon, leaving a 1-2 cm border around the edges. Avoid overusing passata to prevent sogginess.
  7. Top with Cheese: Evenly distribute torn or grated mozzarella cheese over the passata layer on each pizza.
  8. Add Pepperoni Hearts: Use kitchen scissors to cut pepperoni into small heart shapes and arrange them artistically over the cheese.
  9. Season: Sprinkle oregano and black pepper evenly over each pizza to enhance flavor.
  10. Bake Pizzas: Place the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Rotate the trays occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  11. Check Doneness: The pizzas are done when the cheese is bubbling and the crust is a light golden brown and crisp. If the base seems soggy when cutting, return the pizza to the oven for a couple more minutes to crisp up.

Notes

  • Note 1: Using strong white bread flour provides a chewy yet crisp crust characteristic of authentic pizza.
  • Note 2: Fresh mozzarella offers the best melt and flavor, but grated mozzarella or cheddar can be used as alternatives.
  • Note 3: For smaller pizzas, divide the dough into 8 portions and use smaller trays accordingly.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/heart-shaped-pepperoni-and-mozzarella-pizza-recipe/