Description
Heart Shaped Pizza Roses are a charming and delicious appetizer perfect for parties or special occasions. Made by rolling pizza dough with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and thinly sliced salami or pepperoni into rose shapes, these bite-sized treats bake to a golden, bubbly perfection and are garnished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Roses Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces salami or pepperoni, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pizza roses evenly.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into strips approximately 2 inches wide to create the base for the roses.
- Assemble Roses: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each dough strip. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then lay slices of salami or pepperoni on top to add flavor and texture.
- Shape Roses: Carefully roll each prepared strip tightly into a rose shape, maintaining the spiraled layers. Place each rolled rose upright into a greased muffin tin to help hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Bake the assembled pizza roses in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the pizza roses from the muffin tin and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a fragrant herbal note and an attractive finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough depending on your preference for a quick or customized preparation.
- You can substitute the salami or pepperoni with other cured meats or even vegetables for a variation.
- Ensure the dough strips are rolled tightly but not too tight to allow even cooking and prevent leakage of cheese or sauce.
- Greasing the muffin tin is essential to prevent sticking and to easily remove the pizza roses after baking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, although leftovers can be reheated.
