This heart-shaped pizza is perfect for a fun date night or just to show some love! Topped with your favorite sauce, cheese, and delicious toppings, it’s a winner.
Making it is easy—roll the dough out and shape it into a heart. Trust me, cutting pizza into slices is way more romantic when it’s shaped like a heart! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use homemade dough for the best flavor, but store-bought is a great time-saver. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free dough available at many stores.
Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce works well too! If you’re vegan, opt for a dairy-free sauce or pesto. You can even make your own quick sauce with canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but try using provolone or a lactose-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. For extra flavor, mix in some Parmesan or cheddar.
Pepperoni: If you’re vegetarian, you can replace pepperoni with veggie pepperoni or even use bell pepper cut into heart shapes for a fun twist.
Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley adds color and freshness. You could also use arugula or spinach as a garnish after baking.
How Do I Get the Perfect Heart Shape?
Shaping the dough can be tricky, but with some simple steps, you can create a lovely heart shape. Start with your rolled-out dough and be patient.
- Pinch the top center of the dough to make the cleft. Shape the sides into rounded lobes by gently pulling and adjusting.
- Taper the bottom into a point by pushing the dough down slightly. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—each heart is unique!
- After shaping, transferring onto parchment paper makes it easy to move to the oven without losing the shape.
Remember, the key is to have fun with it! Cooking is about creativity.
How to Make Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 batch pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, enough for one 12-inch pizza)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20-30 slices pepperoni
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for brushing crust)
- Flour for dusting
Time Needed:
This delicious heart-shaped pizza will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake, making it a fun and quick dish to create! Just be sure to let it cool a bit before slicing and serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to get nice and hot—it will give your pizza a crispy bottom.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly dust your clean work surface with flour. Roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches wide. Don’t worry about making it perfect; it’s the heart shape that counts!
3. Shape the Heart:
To make the heart shape, gently pinch the top center of the dough to create the cleft. Shape the sides to make rounded lobes and taper the bottom into a point for a perfect heart. Take your time and adjust until it looks good!
4. Transfer the Dough:
Carefully place the shaped dough onto a piece of parchment paper. This makes transferring to the oven super easy!
5. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Leave about a 1-inch space around the edges for the crust—this will be your tasty border!
6. Sprinkle the Cheese:
Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly all over the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it makes everything better!
7. Prepare the Pepperoni:
If you like, use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pepperoni slices into heart shapes. Playful, right? Arrange these adorable pepperoni hearts evenly over the cheese on your pizza.
8. Brush the Crust (Optional):
If you want a nice golden finish on the crust, brush the edges lightly with olive oil. This step is optional but adds a lovely flavor and color!
9. Bake the Pizza:
Now, carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the hot baking stone or a baking sheet. Bake it for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Garnish and Cool:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh touch.
11. Slice and Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice it into wedges and serve! Enjoy your heart-shaped pizza, perfect for sharing with someone special or treating yourself!
This heart-shaped pepperoni pizza is not only delicious but also adds a fun flair to any meal! Enjoy creating and sharing the love with this charming dish!
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and can still yield fantastic results. Just follow the same instructions for shaping and baking!
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using veggie pepperoni or sliced bell peppers shaped into hearts for a lighter option. Sliced mushrooms or olives also make tasty toppings!
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
To store leftover pizza, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time, then assemble and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just keep the dough wrapped tightly in the fridge to prevent it from drying out.
