Heart-Shaped Halal Pepperoni (Printable)
A heart-shaped pizza topped with halal pepperoni, melted cheese, and a flavorful tomato sauce for memorable meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
02 - 1 tsp sugar
03 - ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1 tsp salt
06 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Sauce
07 - 1 cup tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - 1 tsp dried basil
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Toppings
13 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 3.5 oz halal beef pepperoni, sliced
15 - 1 tbsp olive oil
16 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes until mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
02 - Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until dough develops a smooth, elastic consistency. Cover and set in a warm location for 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
03 - Set oven to 475°F. Place a pizza stone or baking tray inside to preheat, ensuring a crisp crust.
04 - Combine tomato passata, tomato paste, oregano, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - Punch down risen dough and divide into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a heart shape approximately ¼ inch thick.
06 - Transfer shaped dough onto parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of sauce over each heart, leaving a small border for the crust. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly and arrange halal pepperoni slices in a decorative pattern.
07 - Brush crust edges with olive oil for a golden finish. Transfer pizzas with parchment onto the preheated stone or tray. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crust achieves golden color and cheese bubbles.
08 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Slice and serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The homemade dough comes together faster than delivery would arrive
- Halal beef pepperoni means everyone can gather around the same table
02 -
- The dough needs to rest at room temperature if it's cold from the fridge or it will fight back when you roll it
- Working quickly once you add toppings prevents the sauce from soaking into the dough and making it soggy
03 -
- A pizza stone makes a noticeable difference in crust texture, but a preheated baking sheet works well too
- Freezing the shaped dough on parchment for 10 minutes before baking helps hold the heart shape