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Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Pepperoni Pizza

Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Pepperoni Pizza - featured image
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This adorable heart-shaped pepperoni pizza is the perfect way to add a playful, romantic twist to your next date night or family gathering. With a crisp, chewy homemade crust, bubbling cheese, and classic pepperoni, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to bring smiles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 tsp (5g) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp (5g) sugar
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 3/4 tsp (4g) salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional, for crust flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk preferred)
  • 20–24 slices pepperoni
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Stir together briefly.
  2. Pour in warm water and olive oil. Add salt and dried Italian herbs if using.
  3. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms (about 2 minutes). Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 7-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. If dough is sticky, sprinkle in up to 2 tbsp extra flour.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured parchment sheet.
  6. Roll into a large oval about 12 inches long and 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut a shallow ‘V’ at the top to form the heart’s dip, then gently shape the bottom into a point. Pinch and smooth edges as needed.
  7. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 15 minutes.
  8. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle garlic powder over the sauce if using.
  9. Top with shredded mozzarella and arrange pepperoni slices in a heart pattern. Finish with grated parmesan and a sprinkle of Italian herbs if desired.
  10. Carefully transfer the parchment and pizza onto the hot stone or sheet.
  11. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling. If edges brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
  12. Remove pizza from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Scatter with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the plain dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. Let the pizza rest a couple of minutes before slicing to prevent cheese from sliding. Use store-bought dough for a shortcut. Customize toppings as desired—try roasted veggies, different cheeses, or make it gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: heart-shaped pizza, Valentine’s Day, pepperoni pizza, date night, homemade pizza, romantic dinner, easy pizza recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/valentines-heart-shaped-pepperoni-pizza-recipe-for-a-perfect-date-night/