Heart shaped pizza is a fun and tasty twist on the classic favorite everyone loves. Imagine your usual pizza, loaded with gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, all baked into a perfect heart shape. It’s a great way to make pizza night feel extra special and show some love with every bite.
I love making heart shaped pizza when I want to surprise someone or just add a little fun to dinner. It’s so simple to shape the dough, and you can get creative with the toppings—think pepperoni, fresh veggies, or even a sprinkle of herbs on top. Plus, it’s always a hit whether it’s a casual family meal or a cute date night at home.
One tip I have is to use a pizza stone or a hot baking sheet to get that nice crispy crust all around the edges. Serving it with a simple salad or some garlic knots makes it a complete and cozy meal. Heart shaped pizza really brings a smile to everyone’s face, and honestly, who doesn’t want pizza made with a little extra love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active dry yeast: This is what helps your dough rise and get that soft, chewy texture. If you don’t have yeast, instant yeast works well too. Just remember to mix it directly with flour.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps the dough stay soft. You can swap it with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if needed.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a good choice for stretchy, tender dough. Bread flour makes a chewier crust, which I enjoy. For a gluten-free option, use a special gluten-free flour blend.
Mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese. Fresh mozzarella tastes great but can be watery, so use shredded for even melting. You can mix in cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.
Pepperoni: Slicing pepperoni into heart shapes adds a cute touch. Turkey pepperoni or veggie pepperoni are good alternatives if you want a lighter option.
How Can You Shape The Dough Into A Perfect Heart?
Shaping your dough into a heart may seem tricky, but it’s simple with a few steps:
- Roll the dough gently into an oval shape on a floured surface.
- At the top center, pinch a small inward dip to create the classic heart indentation.
- Taper the bottom of the dough to form a point for the heart’s tip.
- Use your fingers to smooth and adjust the sides to get even curves.
- Transfer carefully to your baking tray or peel to avoid stretching or tearing.
Take your time and don’t worry about perfection. The homemade look adds to the charm, and the pizza will taste great however it looks!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining and kneading your pizza dough without making a mess.
- Rolling pin – helps you spread the dough evenly and shape it into a heart.
- Pizza stone or baking sheet – a hot pizza stone crisps the crust well, but a baking sheet works fine too.
- Pizza peel or flat spatula – makes transferring the shaped dough onto the oven easier and keeps the heart shape intact.
- Heart-shaped cookie cutter – great for cutting pepperoni into fun heart shapes for topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try swapping pepperoni with cooked sausage or sliced grilled chicken for a meaty twist you’ll love.
- Add fresh basil or arugula after baking for a fresh, peppery flavor that lightens the pizza.
- Use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese to give the pizza a tangy, creamy taste experience.
- Include veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch without overpowering the heart theme.
Heart Shaped Pepperoni Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15-20 slices of pepperoni
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
- Optional: dried oregano or Italian seasoning for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This heart shaped pizza recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Baking takes 12 to 15 minutes, so plan for around 1 hour and 45 minutes total, including resting time. The wait is worth it for a fresh, delicious pizza that looks and tastes great!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dough:
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—that means the yeast is alive and ready. In a big bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together until they form a dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 7-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size (about 1 to 1.5 hours).
2. Shaping the Heart:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Roll it out on a floured surface into an oval shape. To make the heart shape, pinch the top center to create the dip and taper the bottom into a point. Smooth out the edges to even out the curves of the heart. Carefully transfer your heart-shaped dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re not using a pizza stone.
3. Adding Toppings and Baking:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. If you have a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, use it to cut the pepperoni slices into little heart shapes; place them nicely over the cheese. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan and optional dried oregano or Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor. Bake in the oven preheated to 475°F (245°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing—then enjoy your charming and tasty heart shaped pepperoni pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Dough for This Pizza?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the frozen dough overnight in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before shaping. This helps make it easier to stretch and form into a heart shape.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
You can use sliced sausage, cooked chicken, or even veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. For a vegetarian option, try adding olives, spinach, or artichokes instead.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Wrap any leftover pizza tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Take it out about 30 minutes before shaping to come to room temperature for easier handling.