This heart-shaped pizza is perfect for sharing with your loved ones! Topped with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish.
Who knew pizza could be romantic? I love making this for date nights or even a fun family dinner. Plus, everyone gets a piece of love with each slice! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for convenience, but homemade dough offers a fresher taste. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pizza crust mix available in stores. I love making my dough from scratch to control the flavor!
Pizza Sauce: Traditional pizza sauce works great, but marinara sauce is a lovely alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor. You can even use pesto for a unique twist!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is great for melting, but you can mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor. Dairy-free cheese options are available if needed, just check for meltability.
Pepperoni: Traditional pepperoni is classic, but turkey pepperoni or sliced veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms can substitute for a healthier option. You could even use plant-based pepperoni for a vegetarian choice!
Dried Oregano: This adds flavor, but Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes can be great substitutes, depending on your taste preference.
How Do You Shape the Dough into a Heart?
Shaping the dough into a heart may sound tricky, but it’s easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps:
- Start with a perfectly rolled 12-inch circle. Make sure the thickness is even for consistent cooking.
- To create the top of the heart, simply pinch or fold about two inches from the top center. This will form the lobes of the heart.
- Bring the bottom point of the circle upward and round it off to complete the heart shape. Check for symmetry!
Take your time, and don’t worry if it’s not perfect—it’ll taste great no matter the shape! Just make it your own, and enjoy the process.
Heart Shaped Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 batch pizza dough (store-bought or homemade, enough for one medium pizza)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- About 10 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Olive oil, for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This heart-shaped pizza will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake, making it perfect for a quick, fun meal or special occasion. Including the baking time, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up while you prepare your dough!
2. Roll Out the Dough:
On a clean, lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a large circle that’s about 12 inches in diameter. This will give you enough space to create your heart shape.
3. Shape the Dough:
To form a heart, gently pinch or fold the top of the dough to create the two rounded lobes. Then, bring the bottom point upwards and round it off, adjusting edges as needed to define the heart shape. Don’t worry about perfection; it will still taste amazing!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the heart-shaped dough onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel that’s been dusted with flour or cornmeal. This will help prevent it from sticking. Brush the outer edges of the dough lightly with olive oil; this helps achieve a nice golden brown crust.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, but leave about a 1/2-inch border around the edges clear. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, making sure to cover it well.
6. Add the Pepperoni:
If you’d like to make your pizza extra special, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pepperoni slices into little hearts. Place these heart-shaped pepperoni pieces evenly across the top of the cheese.
7. Season It Up:
Sprinkle some dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the entire pizza to add extra flavor. This is the finishing touch that makes it taste delicious!
8. Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza in the preheated oven (or on the hot pizza stone, if using) and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the crust to turn golden brown and the cheese to be bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Then slice it up and serve warm. Enjoy sharing this adorable and tasty heart-shaped pizza!
This pizza’s simple yet festive look is perfect for romantic occasions or surprises!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great option if you’re short on time. It’s convenient and still allows for a delicious heart-shaped pizza!
What Toppings Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
Feel free to get creative! You can use any toppings you like—sliced veggies, cooked sausage, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just ensure that your toppings are cut into smaller pieces to fit the heart shape.
How Do I Make This Pizza Vegetarian?
Making the pizza vegetarian is easy! Simply skip the pepperoni and add plenty of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, or spinach. You can also add some sliced tomatoes or artichokes for extra flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the slices in the oven or on a skillet to keep that crispy crust. You can also use the microwave, but the crust may not stay as crispy.
