Ingredients
For the Dough
- 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 warm water
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
For the Garlic Butter Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 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)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Pepperoni (gluten-free if needed)
- Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy, indicating it is activated.
- Make the Dough: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, all-purpose flour, parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt into the yeast mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined into a thick, sticky dough.
- Rest the Dough: Shape the dough into a ball and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap and 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 initial crust baking.
- Shape the Crust: Lightly oil a cookie sheet or pizza pan. Roll out the dough directly on the pan and gently shape it into a heart. Let it rest for an additional 15 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Make the Seasoned Garlic Butter: In a microwave-safe dish, combine butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Microwave on high for 10 seconds until melted. Stir well to combine.
- Brush the Crust: Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the entire surface and edges of the pizza crust.
- Par-bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes until it is set and no longer doughy but not fully colored.
- Add Pizza Toppings: Remove the crust from the oven. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the crust, followed by mozzarella, pepperoni, cherry tomatoes, and shredded parmesan cheese as desired.
- Increase Oven Temperature: Turn the oven temperature up to 500°F (260°C) to finish baking the pizza with toppings.
- Bake the Assembled Pizza: Place the fully topped pizza back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pizza from oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, then cut into slices and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free pepperoni.
- If you prefer a stronger yeast flavor, allow the dough to rest for the full 90 minutes.
- Using fresh mozzarella balls creates a creamier texture; slices work well too.
- You can substitute the cherry tomatoes with other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Be cautious when baking at 500°F to prevent burning the crust or toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
