Description
This charming heart-shaped pizza is perfect for sharing with your loved ones. Made from scratch using a simple homemade dough, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings, it’s a fun and delicious way to show you care. The dough is kneaded to a smooth texture, allowed to rise, then shaped into a heart before being baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F)
For the Topping
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice (meats, veggies)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water (about 110°F) while stirring until a rough dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove excess air. Place it on a sheet of parchment paper and shape it carefully into a heart shape, making sure the thickness is even throughout for consistent baking.
- Add toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to form the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add your desired meats, vegetables, or other toppings. Optionally, place fresh basil leaves on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Transfer the parchment paper with the shaped pizza onto a baking sheet or pizza stone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it along with the oven.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier texture.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free environment for best results.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference, including vegetarian or gluten-free options by changing the crust.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to avoid toppings sliding off.
