Nothing says “I love you” quite like a heart-shaped pizza! This fun twist on a classic brings smiles and tasty toppings together in one cute package.
Who wouldn’t want to share a slice of love? I love decorating it with my favorite toppings—it makes pizza night so much more special and, let’s be honest, a bit cheesy! 🍕❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is what makes our dough rise! If you have instant yeast, you can use that too—just mix it directly with your dry ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture might be a bit denser.
Pizza Sauce: If you prefer less processed options, homemade marinara works great as a substitute! Just make sure it’s not too watery, or your dough could get soggy.
Pepperoni: No love for pepperoni? Use cooked sausage, veggies, or even fruit like pineapple for a fun twist. Just keep that heart shape in mind!
Fresh Herbs: I love topping the pizza with fresh oregano or parsley for freshness, but dried herbs work too. Just sprinkle a little—you don’t want to overpower the pizza flavors!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Rises Perfectly?
Getting the dough just right is key to a good pizza! Follow these tips to ensure your yeast works its magic. First, make sure your water is warm, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast!
- Combine yeast and sugar in warm water and wait for bubbles to form, which shows that it’s alive.
- After mixing your dough, knead it well! This helps develop gluten, which gives the crust its chewy texture.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth while it rises—this keeps it moist and helps it expand.
- Choose a warm spot for rising: a sunny kitchen window or near the oven works well!
Letting your dough rise properly will give you that puffy, delicious pizza crust—perfect for your heart-shaped creation!
Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza
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 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For The Toppings:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30-40 slices pepperoni
- Fresh oregano or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This heart-shaped pizza takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. This includes about 15 minutes for prep time and 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise, plus 12-15 minutes for baking. So, you can have a delicious, heart-shaped pizza ready to share in just over an hour and a half!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of flour and the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mix and add your frothy yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Dust your work surface with a little flour and transfer your dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a bit more flour.
4. Let the Dough Rise:
Place your kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and put it in a warm place. Let it rise until it has doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
5. Preheat the Oven:
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, get that in the oven to heat up as well!
6. Shape the Dough:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a large heart shape, about 12 inches wide.
7. Assemble Your Pizza:
Carefully transfer the heart-shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or onto a pizza peel if using a stone. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border at the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce.
8. Add the Pepperoni:
Using a small heart-shaped cutter, cut each pepperoni slice into heart shapes. Arrange the heart-shaped pepperonis over the cheese in a fun pattern!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Place your pizza in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is nice and bubbly.
10. Garnish and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle it with fresh chopped oregano or parsley for that extra touch of flavor. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it!
Enjoy your festive and delicious heart-shaped pepperoni pizza! Share it with someone special or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it! 🍕❤️
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pizza dough can save you time. Just follow the package instructions for rolling out and baking, then proceed with the sauce and toppings as described in the recipe.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but it may make the crust a bit chewy.
Can I Use Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pineapple. Just remember to keep the heart shapes in mind for your pepperoni if you want to maintain the theme!
What If I Don’t Have Heart-Shaped Cutters?
If you don’t have heart-shaped cutters, you can use a knife to cut the pepperoni into heart shapes or simply leave them round. The pizza will still taste delicious, and the fun shape can be personalized however you like!
