Description
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fun and delicious heart-shaped pepperoni pizza! This homemade recipe is simple to follow, customizable, and perfect for a romantic dinner or a family activity. With a golden crust, cheesy goodness, and adorable heart-shaped pepperonis, it’s a meal that’s as festive as it is tasty.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
For the Toppings
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12–15 slices turkey or beef pepperoni (cut into heart shapes)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Shape the Dough
- Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Use a knife or scissors to shape it into a heart. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Pizza
- Spread the sauce evenly over the heart-shaped dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter or scissors to cut pepperonis into hearts and place them on top of the cheese.
- Bake
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Slice and enjoy your Valentine’s Day creation!
Notes
You can customize this heart-shaped pizza with your favorite toppings. For a healthier option, use whole wheat crust, low-fat cheese, and load up on veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Valentine’s Day Heart Pepperoni Pizza, heart-shaped pizza recipe, Valentine’s dinner ideas, homemade pizza, romantic dinner recipe