This fun heart-shaped pizza is perfect for special occasions or just to show some love! With a crispy crust topped with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings, it’s a treat for anyone.
Making this pizza always puts a smile on my face! Who doesn’t love a pizza that’s not only tasty but also looks adorable? I usually pair it with a simple salad for a fun dinner! ❤️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use store-bought dough for ease. If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own! For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free pizza crust mixes available in stores.
Pizza Sauce: Pizza sauce offers a rich flavor, but marinara works just fine in a pinch. Homemade sauce is lovely too! If you want no sugar, opt for a pureed tomato base.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides a classic pizza taste. Fresh mozzarella is even better! If you want alternatives, try provolone or any melty cheese you enjoy, like Gouda.
Pepperoni: Pepperoni is a fan favorite, but feel free to switch it out for veggies like bell peppers, olives, or even cooked sausage. Turkey or plant-based options are good substitutes too!
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a great texture. For a different flavor, consider artichokes or spinach. Canned mushrooms work too if fresh aren’t available.
How Do I Make a Heart Shape with the Dough?
Shaping your pizza into a heart might feel tricky, but it’s a fun step! Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, roll your dough into a circle lightly on a floured surface.
- Pinch the top center into a V shape for the heart’s cleft.
- Press the sides inwards to create the rounded top, keeping the bottom pointy to form the heart shape.
- Don’t worry about perfection; a little unevenness adds character!
Remember, practice makes perfect. Each heart will get a little better every time!
Heart Shaped Pizza with Pepperoni and Mushrooms
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 batch of pizza dough (about 12-14 oz)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 20-24 slices of pepperoni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful heart-shaped pizza will take about 20-30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes shaping the dough and adding your toppings, and then just 10-12 minutes in the oven. Perfect for a quick, fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm up. If not, grab a baking sheet and lightly oil it or sprinkle it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Pizza:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. To create the heart shape, pinch the top center to form a slight V (this is the cleft of the heart). Gently press the sides in to create rounded lobes at the top, and taper the bottom edge into a point to complete your heart shape.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
Carefully transfer your shaped dough to the prepared baking sheet. Brush a light layer of olive oil over the surface of the dough. Next, spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving about a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce, then add the sliced mushrooms. Finally, arrange the pepperoni slices decoratively over the pizza.
4. Season and Bake:
For extra flavor, sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the top of your pizza. Now it’s time to bake! Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
5. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Slice and Enjoy:
Slice your lovely heart-shaped pizza into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy this charming and delicious pizza with loved ones!
Have fun making (and eating) your heart-shaped pizza! ❤️
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and makes this recipe super easy. Just follow the package instructions for any specific handling tips.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
You can get creative with toppings! Try adding bell peppers, onions, olives, or different types of meats like sausage or ham. For a vegetarian option, load it up with your favorite veggies!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through for a crisp texture.
Can I Freeze This Pizza?
Yes! If you want to prep ahead, freeze the assembled pizza (without baking) on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of cooking time.
