Description
Create a delightful heart-shaped pizza perfect for sharing with your loved ones. This recipe features a homemade dough that rises beautifully before being shaped into a charming heart, topped with classic tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Baked to golden perfection, this pizza is as fun to make as it is to eat, ideal for special occasions or a cozy family meal.
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 Toppings
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings of choice (meats, veggies)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water (at 110°F) and mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it onto a piece of parchment paper. Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it carefully into a heart shape. Make sure the shape is even and smooth to hold the toppings well.
- Add the Toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously and add your choice of toppings such as meats and vegetables. Optionally, scatter fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor and color.
- Bake the Pizza: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the heart-shaped pizza, along with the parchment paper, on 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 the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the water is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Kneading the dough well develops the gluten for a chewy, tender crust.
- Customize toppings to your liking, but avoid overloading to prevent soggy crust.
- Using a pizza stone enhances the crust’s crispiness if available.
- Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing helps the cheese set and toppings stay in place.
