This fun heart-shaped pizza is perfect for sharing a little love! Topped with your favorite sauce and cheesy goodness, it’s a delightful twist on a classic meal.
Making this pizza is a blast—I enjoy adding lots of toppings to make it special. Whether it’s a date night or just for fun, it’s always a hit! ❤️🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is crucial for making your dough rise. You can replace it with instant yeast, using the same amount, for a quicker preparation.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour works great, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier take, just expect a denser crust. I prefer using bread flour for a chewier texture!
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but you can make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Feel free to use marinara or even pesto for a unique flavor!
Cheese: Mozzarella is fantastic, but a blend of provolone and mozzarella can add nice flavor. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cheese options available!
Pepperoni: If you want a healthier option, consider turkey or veggie pepperoni. You can also use sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie pizza.
What’s the Best Way to Shape Heart-Shaped Dough?
Shaping the dough into a heart can be tricky but fun! After you roll out your dough, follow these tips for a perfect heart shape:
- Pinch the top of the circle to form two lobes, creating the top of the heart.
- Gently taper the sides down to a point to form the bottom tip.
- Use your hands to smooth the edges and make any necessary adjustments.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect on the first try; just have fun with it! A little practice goes a long way.
How Can I Make My Pizza Dough Rise Perfectly?
For the dough to rise well, it needs warmth and patience. Here’s how to create the perfect environment:
- Find a warm spot in your kitchen, away from drafts.
- Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel to retain moisture and warmth.
- Let it rise until it doubles in size, usually about 1-1.5 hours. If your kitchen is cold, it may take a bit longer.
Remember, dough takes time to rise, so don’t rush it! A good rise means a fluffy, delicious crust.
How to Make Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-25 slices heart-shaped pepperoni (see note)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious heart-shaped pizza recipe requires about 2 hours in total. This includes 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, 15 minutes for assembling the pizza, and approximately 15 minutes for baking. It’s perfect for a date night or a fun family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, be sure to place it in the oven at this time to heat up.
3. Shape the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out into a roughly 12-inch circle. To shape it into a heart, pinch the top of the circle to form two lobes, and taper the bottom into a point to create the heart shape. Adjust the edges as needed for a smooth look.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
Transfer your heart-shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel if you’re using a pizza stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then arrange your heart-shaped pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. Finish by sprinkling dried oregano or Italian seasoning across the pizza for extra flavor.
5. Bake Your Pizza:
Transfer the pizza (using parchment paper, if applicable) to the oven or onto your hot pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden-brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before garnishing. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Slice the pizza and serve warm, ready to share the love!
Note:
If you’re making heart-shaped pepperoni slices, you can easily cut regular pepperoni into heart shapes using a small knife or a heart-shaped mini cookie cutter before placing them on the pizza.
Enjoy your fun and festive Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza! It’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face! 🍕❤️
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time or prefer to keep it simple, store-bought pizza dough will work just fine. Just follow the instructions on the package for preparation and baking times.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before shaping it into a heart.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
What Toppings Can I Use Besides Pepperoni?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or any of your favorite toppings. Just keep in mind that heavier toppings may require a longer baking time, so adjust accordingly.