1 ball pizza dough homemade or store-bought ▢2 tablespoons olive oil, divided ▢30 slices pepperoni ▢¼ cup pizza sauce ▢1½ cup shredded mozzarella ▢3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese ▢2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil *optional
Turn the oven to 450°F. Prepare and lay aside a pizza pan lined with parchment paper.
Using culinary shears, fold each pepperoni in half and cut it into heart shapes. Place on a plate lined with paper towels and microwave on high for 15 seconds. Wipe away any surplus oil and set aside.
Lightly flour a surface, then form the dough into a 16-inch-tall heart shape. Press and fold the edges over to form the crust.
Place the pizza dough on a baking tray that has been preheated. Before docking the crust with a fork to prevent the formation of bubbles, brush it with olive oil.
After placing in the oven, bake for six minutes. Spread the remaining sauce over the top, followed by the mozzarella and pepperoni.
Bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until the pepperoni is firm and the crust is golden brown. If desirable, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Allow to rest for five minutes prior to slicing.