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Irresistible Heart Shaped Pizza Recipe with Easy Homemade Dough Tutorial

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A fun and delicious heart shaped pizza made with easy homemade dough, perfect for special occasions or any time you want to add a touch of love to your meal. This recipe balances a crispy crust with a fluffy center and fresh tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful
  • Optional toppings: pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, pineapple

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit until foamy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the dough: Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
  4. First rise: Lightly oil a mixing bowl, place dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
  6. Shape the dough: Punch down the risen dough and transfer to a floured surface. Roll or stretch into a 12-inch heart shape. Trim edges if needed. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
  7. Add toppings: Spread tomato sauce evenly over dough, leaving a border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and add any desired extras.
  8. Bake the pizza: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake on middle rack for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let cool a few minutes, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

If dough shrinks when shaping, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again. Avoid overloading with sauce or toppings to prevent sogginess. Preheat oven for at least 30 minutes for best crust. Use a pizza stone for crispier crust or preheat baking sheet if stone is unavailable. Dough can be refrigerated up to 24 hours after kneading. For gluten-free, use appropriate flour blends and adjust liquids. Vegan options include dairy-free cheese and vegan butter or coconut oil.

Nutrition

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