If there’s one thing that’s always a hit at my table—especially on cozy weekends—it’s pizza. But not just any pizza. Meet the Sourdough Pull-Apart Pizza Heart—a delicious twist on pizza that brings comfort, creativity, and fun all in one heart-shaped crust. It’s easy to make at home, delightfully cheesy, and baked with the goodness of a real bread King Arthur flour sourdough base.
This dish is like a warm hug from your oven. Whether you’re impressing your family on a movie night, feeding picky eaters, or just craving something cozy that doesn’t come from a box, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Pull-Apart Pizza Heart
- It’s made to share. Each piece pulls apart like a little love note—cheesy, soft inside, golden outside.
- At-home magic. No fancy tools or obscure ingredients—just classic pantry staples and your hands.
- Bread King Arthur quality. The premium bread flour gives the dough that perfect chew and beautiful rise.
- A pizza twist with heart. Literally. It’s shaped like a heart, which makes it perfect for family dinners or date nights with extra cheese.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring the magic to life:
For the Sourdough Pizza Dough:
- 350g warm water (1½ cups)
- 600g bread King Arthur flour (4½ cups)
- 150g active sourdough starter (⅔ cup)
- 20g honey (1 Tbsp)
- 30g olive oil (2 Tbsp)
- 10g salt (1½ tsp)
- 10g pizza seasoning (2 tsp)
Filling:
- 60–70g pepperoni slices (about 30–40 pieces)
- 335g shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3 cups)
Topping:
- 30g olive oil (2 Tbsp)
- 1g Italian seasoning (½ tsp)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (a generous sprinkle)
Garlic Butter:
- 28g butter (2 Tbsp)
- 4g minced garlic (2 tsp)
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Dough (The Night Before, or Morning Of)
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sourdough starter, honey, and olive oil. Mix until just combined. Add in the bread King Arthur flour, salt, and pizza seasoning. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then give it a few stretch-and-folds (a fun sourdough trick—stretch each corner of the dough over the center a few times) to build structure.
Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature for 6–8 hours. It should puff up noticeably.
Ava’s Tip: Forgot to start it in the morning? Pop it in the fridge overnight—this dough loves a nap.
Step 2: Roll and Cut
Once your dough is well rested, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it into a large rectangle—about ¼ inch thick.
Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice it into 2-inch wide strips. Sprinkle mozzarella and layer pepperoni on each strip, then roll or fold each strip into a pinwheel or mini roll.
Step 3: Assemble the Heart
On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange the rolls in the shape of a heart. It doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is beautiful!
Family trick: This heart shape has become our “Friday pizza night” signature. Even the kids get in on arranging the pieces!
Step 4: Bake It Up
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Brush the top of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter
While your pizza heart is baking, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic.
When the pizza comes out, brush generously with garlic butter and finish with a dusting of fresh Parmesan. Serve warm and let everyone pull pieces apart to their cheesy delight.
Cooking Tips from Ava
- Don’t overthink the shape. If your heart looks more like a squishy potato, that’s still adorable. It’s pizza—it forgives.
- Want a vegetarian version? Swap the pepperoni for roasted peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
- Need it faster? Use store-bought pizza dough and skip the sourdough process—still tasty, just not as chewy and complex.
A Little Love Story
The first time I tested this recipe, I accidentally doubled the cheese (whoops?)—and the result was a gooey, bubbling masterpiece. It became a surprise hit at our Sunday Sizzle night, and now my friends ask me to bring “the cheesy pizza heart” to potlucks. It’s the dish that turns heads and fills bellies—without fuss.
FAQs
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for bread King Arthur flour?
You can, but you might lose a bit of that signature chew. Bread flour’s higher protein helps give the dough more structure.
How do I store leftovers?
If there are any! Wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze assembled (unbaked) pizza hearts on a tray. Once solid, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen—just add 5–8 minutes to your baking time.
Can I use commercial yeast instead of sourdough?
Sure! Use 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Adjust the rise time to 1–2 hours instead of the longer sourdough fermentation.
Final Thought (aka your dinner call)
This Sourdough Pull-Apart Pizza Heart is the kind of recipe that brings people together—without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s homemade, heart-shaped, and stuffed with the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes for a second bite. Whether it’s for a weekday treat or a weekend gathering, it’s one of those dishes that says, “I made this because I love you.”
Now go preheat that oven.