Heart-Shaped Pepperoni & Mozzarella Pizza
This festive pizza features a chewy, bakery-style crust shaped into a heart, topped with classic pepperoni and gooey mozzarella. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for Valentine’s Day or any celebration that calls for a little extra love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 cups bread flour (all-purpose works too)
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20–24 slices pepperoni
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, instant yeast, and sugar.
- Add salt and stir well.
- Pour in warm water and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add extra flour if sticky.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Turn risen dough onto parchment. Roll out to a 12-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Shape into a heart using a knife or kitchen scissors.
- Transfer parchment and dough to baking sheet.
- Brush edge lightly with olive oil. Bake crust for 6-7 minutes until slightly set.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella over sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices and add basil and Parmesan if using.
- Return pizza to oven and bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni is crisp.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a bubbly top, if desired.
- Let pizza rest for 2 minutes, then slide parchment onto a cutting board.
- Slice and serve warm. Garnish with extra basil if desired.
Notes
Parbaking the crust helps maintain the heart shape and keeps the base crisp. Don’t overload with toppings to avoid soggy crust. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For vegetarian, skip pepperoni or use plant-based slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 pizza
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 15
Keywords: Valentine's Day, heart-shaped pizza, pepperoni pizza, mozzarella pizza, easy pizza, homemade pizza, family dinner, celebration, kid-friendly, party food