Instructions:

Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat. Alternatively, if you don't have a pizza stone, place a large cookie sheet upside down in the oven and allow it to heat for at least 45 minutes after reaching the desired temperature.

Prepare Dough:

• Roll out the pizza dough thinly on a lightly floured surface.
• Using scissors, carefully cut the dough into a symmetrical heart shape by folding it in half and cutting along the fold.

Make Stuffed Crust:

• Place mozzarella sticks along the edges of the heart-shaped dough.
• Fold the excess dough over the mozzarella sticks to create a stuffed crust.

Add Sauce and Toppings:

• Spread marinara sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza dough.
• Tear fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and scatter them over the sauce.
• Add desired pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms, over the sauce.

Bake the Pizza:

• Brush the edges of the crust with olive oil and sprinkle shredded Italian cheese over the crust.
• Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or upside-down cookie sheet in the oven.
• Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.

Serve:

• Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
• Enjoy your delicious stuffed crust heart-shaped pizza, perfect for sharing with your loved ones on any special occasion!