This heart-shaped pizza is perfect for sharing with someone special! With a crispy crust and plenty of cheese, it’s not just delicious, but also fun to eat.
Honestly, who wouldn’t want a pizza that looks this cute? I love surprising friends with it on pizza night. It’s a tasty way to say “I love you!” (or just “I really like you!”) ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for making your pizza crust rise. If you don’t have it, you can use instant yeast (just reduce the amount slightly). Fresh yeast can also be a good substitute if you can find it.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great for this dough, but you can use bread flour for a chewier texture. If you want a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free flour blend, just ensure it contains xanthan gum.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient. If you want homemade, simply crush some canned tomatoes and mix in herbs like oregano and basil. For a twist, use pesto instead of traditional sauce!
Pepperoni: Heart-shaped pepperoni adds a fun touch! You can swap it for turkey pepperoni, salami, or veggies for a vegetarian option. You could also use small olives or ham cut into hearts.
How Do I Make My Pizza Dough Perfectly?
The dough is the magic behind your pizza. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure your water isn’t too hot, as it can kill the yeast. Aim for about 110°F (45°C).
- Kneading is key! Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic; this helps develop gluten for a strong structure.
- If you’re short on time, let the dough rise in a warm spot, like an oven turned off but with the light on. This speeds things up a bit.
- Don’t skip the second rise; it makes the dough fluffier!
With these tips and tricks, your heart-shaped pizza will not only look adorable but also taste amazing! Happy pizza-making! 🍕❤️
How to Make Heart Shaped Pizza with Heart-Shaped Pepperoni
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for rolling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12-15 slices pepperoni
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning, for garnish
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil (for the baking sheet)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This heart-shaped pizza will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to prepare. This includes about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and mix the dough, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 12-15 minutes to bake the pizza. Perfect for a quick and fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise!
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Create a well in the center. Pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the Dough:
Mix everything together and then knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 7-10 minutes. You can do this by hand or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour as needed.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This makes it fluffy and delicious!
5. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat as well.
6. Shape the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a rough heart shape, about 12 inches across. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect—hearts come in all shapes!
7. Prepare the Pizza Base:
Carefully transfer the heart-shaped dough to a greased baking sheet or a pizza peel lined with parchment paper if using a pizza stone.
8. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce over the dough evenly, leaving a border for the crust.
9. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle the chopped red onion over the sauce. Then, add the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Cut the Pepperoni:
Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, make heart shapes from the pepperoni slices. Place these cute pepperoni hearts all over the cheese.
11. Season the Pizza:
Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning on top to enhance the flavor.
12. Bake:
Place your pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool slightly, then slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy your delightful heart-shaped pizza!
With this heart-shaped pizza, you’ll make any meal special. Enjoy sharing it with someone you love or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here! 🍕❤️
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough can save you time. Just roll it out into a heart shape and follow the remaining steps for adding toppings and baking.
What Toppings Can I Substitute?
Feel free to get creative! You can use vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives instead of or in addition to pepperoni. Just remember, to keep it heart-themed, you could cut vegetables into heart shapes too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for quick heating.
Can I Freeze the Dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
