This fun heart-shaped pizza is perfect for spreading love on special occasions! Topped with gooey cheese and your favorite meats or veggies, it’s a tasty twist on a classic.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough is often fresher. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pizza dough mix. I like to make dough a day ahead; it gives better flavor after resting!
Tomato Sauce: Any pizza sauce works, from marinara to homemade. If you want to change things up, use pesto or BBQ sauce for a twist! My personal favorite is a garden-fresh tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes and herbs.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic stretchy cheese texture. Substitute with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese if needed. I love mixing in some provolone or Parmesan for extra flavor!
Pepperoni: Instead of traditional pepperoni, feel free to use turkey pepperoni, salami, or even veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. You can also make mini heart shapes with olives for a unique topping!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Heart Shape for My Pizza?
Shaping the pizza into a heart can feel tricky, but it’s simple! Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with a round ball of dough, rolling it out into about a 12-inch circle.
- To create the heart shape, pinch the top center to form lobes. You’ll have a “V” at the bottom to create the point.
- Adjust the edges gently for a more symmetrical look, keeping the shape rounded and even for even baking.
Practice makes perfect! Even if your first try isn’t perfect, it’ll still taste amazing!
Heart Shaped Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, about 10-12 oz)
- 1/2 cup tomato pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-15 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Flour for dusting
Time Estimate:
This heart-shaped pizza will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet special meal!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm up while you prepare your pizza.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface to prevent sticking. Take your pizza dough and roll it out with a rolling pin into a rough circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about it being perfect; hearts come in all shapes!
3. Shape the Heart:
To shape the dough into a heart, pinch the top center to create the cleft. This will give you two rounded lobes at the top. Next, shape the bottom into a point to complete your heart form. Adjust the edges as needed to make it look symmetrical. A little practice makes it easier!
4. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully move the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel that’s been dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will help when transferring it to the oven.
5. Brush with Olive Oil:
Using a brush, lightly coat the edges of the dough with olive oil. This will help achieve a golden and crispy crust.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, covering it evenly.
7. Decorate with Pepperoni:
Take your pepperoni slices and, using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter or a knife, cut them into heart shapes if you want to get creative! Arrange these heart-shaped pieces over the mozzarella evenly.
8. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle dried oregano over the top of the pizza for an added kick of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal taste!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully slide the pizza (on the parchment paper if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or place it on a baking sheet and then into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Finish and Serve:
Once baked, take the pizza out of the oven. Optionally, you can sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor. Let the pizza cool for about a minute, slice it up, and serve warm.
Enjoy your charming and delicious heart-shaped pizza, perfect for special occasions or just sharing some pizza love!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough is a quick and convenient option. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping, as it will be easier to work with.
What If I Don’t Have a Pizza Stone?
No worries! You can simply use a baking sheet instead. Just preheat the baking sheet in the oven along with the oven itself, and transfer the pizza onto it using parchment paper for an easy slide-in-out transition.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a quick snack!
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Use vegetables like bell peppers or onions, different cheeses, or even switch out meat for another favorite. Just make sure any added toppings are cooked or prepped so that they don’t add excess moisture to the pizza!