Description
Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Pizza with homemade crust, gooey cheese, and pepperoni – the perfect romantic and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (4g) instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon (6g) salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (75g) mini pepperoni slices or heart-shaped pepperoni cutouts
- Sliced cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, or roasted red peppers (optional red toppings)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) melted butter mixed with 1 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder (for brushing crust)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar, whisking together to evenly distribute. Create a well in the center and pour in the warm water and olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when poked gently with your finger. Shape into a ball and place in an oiled bowl, covering with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Shape the Heart Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough in half if making two smaller pizzas, or keep whole for one large heart. Form into a ball and let rest for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Begin shaping by flattening the dough with your hands, then use your fingertips to press outward, creating a circle. Pinch the bottom portion to form a point, and use your fingers to create an indentation at the top center, forming the classic heart shape. Maintain the shape by gently pulling and stretching as needed.
- Step 3: Add the Toppings Transfer your heart-shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal or semolina (this prevents sticking and adds texture). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the surface, leaving a half-inch border for the crust. Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by Parmesan for extra flavor. Arrange your pepperoni in an attractive pattern – consider creating a heart outline with pepperoni slices for extra Valentine’s flair. Add any additional red toppings strategically to enhance the romantic theme.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection Carefully slide your parchment paper with the topped Valentine’s Day Heart-Shaped Pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in your hot oven (500°F/260°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through if needed, until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles with some caramelized spots. In the last minute of baking, brush the exposed crust with the garlic butter mixture for an extra flavor boost and attractive shine.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh torn basil leaves, a light drizzle of quality olive oil, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. For an extra romantic touch, arrange additional heart-shaped pepperoni or fresh basil leaves in a decorative pattern. Slice with a pizza cutter or sharp knife and serve immediately while the cheese is still gloriously melty and the crust maintains its perfect texture.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg