Heart-Shaped Pizza with Mozzarella

Name: Heart-Shaped Pizza with Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 pizzas
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup tomato sauce; 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; Fresh basil leaves; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for drizzling

Highlighted under: Hearty Recipes

I love making heart-shaped pizza for special occasions because it adds a fun and personal touch to our meals. There's something incredibly joyful about seeing a pizza shaped like a heart, and it makes any gathering feel festive. This recipe uses fresh mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy experience, while the homemade dough ensures that each bite is soft and delightful. Perfect for romantic dinners or family movie nights, this heart-shaped pizza is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction!

Created by

Greer Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-07T11:17:34.853Z

One evening, while preparing for a cozy date night, I decided to try making a heart-shaped pizza. I experimented with different toppings and found that fresh mozzarella paired perfectly with a homemade tomato sauce. The dough was made from scratch, ensuring a crust that was both crispy and chewy, just how we like it.

As I shaped the pizza into a heart, I realized that the key to a great pizza is allowing the dough to rise adequately. This step ensures a light and airy texture. Our heart-shaped pizza was a hit, and the smiles on our faces made the effort all worthwhile!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
Adorable heart shape adds a whimsical touch to dinner.
Fresh mozzarella creates a delightful, gooey cheese experience.
Easy to personalize with favorite toppings for everyone.

The Dough: The Heart of the Pizza

The dough is arguably the most critical component of a heart-shaped pizza. Using all-purpose flour gives a great balance of chewiness and fluffiness. If you wish to experiment with different flours, bread flour can provide a chewier texture, while whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor. It’s essential to knead the dough sufficiently until it’s smooth and elastic; 5 to 7 minutes should suffice. Proper kneading helps develop gluten, which contributes to the pizza's structure.

Letting the dough rise is crucial for achieving that perfect softness. Ideally, allow it to double in size; this may take longer than the original 15 minutes, especially in cooler kitchens. Be patient! If your kitchen is chilly, consider using an oven with just the light on or placing the dough near a heating vent. The smell of freshly risen dough is equally tempting, heightening the anticipation of your homemade pizza!

Perfecting the Toppings

Using fresh mozzarella cheese is one of the highlights of this pizza. Ideally, choose a high-quality mozzarella packed in water, as it provides a creamier texture and richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese. The moisture can affect your pizza if not addressed, so pat the slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to prevent a soggy crust. The gooey nature of fresh mozzarella will create lovely cheese pulls, especially when serving the pizza hot.

When it comes to toppings, the heart shape gives you a unique canvas to arrange your ingredients artistically. Feel free to personalize it with your favorites! Consider adding pepperoni in a heart pattern or colorful bell peppers for a pop of color. If you're looking to reduce calories or dairy, alternative cheeses or vegan toppings can work well, but keep in mind that they may not melt the same way as mozzarella.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create the perfect heart-shaped pizza:

For the Dough

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
3/4 cup warm water
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

1 cup tomato sauce
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for drizzling

Once you have all your ingredients prepared, you're ready to create a delicious heart-shaped pizza!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your heart-shaped pizza:

Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, then sprinkle the yeast and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.

Shape the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it into a heart shape. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Add the Sauce and Toppings

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the heart-shaped dough. Distribute the slices of fresh mozzarella on top, and season with salt and pepper. Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with a little olive oil.

Bake the Pizza

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Bake the pizza for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking!

Serve and Enjoy

Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy with loved ones!

With these simple steps, you can create a heart-shaped pizza that looks as good as it tastes!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing herbs into the dough or adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese over the top before baking.

Making Ahead and Storing

If you want to enjoy your heart-shaped pizza but are short on time, consider making the dough ahead of time. Once you knead it, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. This resting period will enhance its flavor, thanks to the slow fermentation. When you're ready, let it come to room temperature before shaping it into a heart.

Cooked pizza can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze before baking. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore some of the crust’s original crispness.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with the heart-shaped pizza! Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, you can experiment with pesto or white sauce as a base. Each will impart distinct flavors. Also, try adding a thin layer of sliced tomatoes or sautéed veggies for added depth and nutrition. You can even grill some vegetables ahead of time to add smokiness to your pizza.

If you want to cater to different dietary preferences, consider making mini heart-shaped pizzas instead. Smaller sizes cook faster and allow everyone to customize their own toppings. Use smaller rounds of dough, about four inches in diameter, and bake them for 10-12 minutes. Not only does this provide variety, but it also makes for a fun and interactive meal!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Pepperoni, bell peppers, or even arugula added after baking can be great options.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and follow the same process!

→ What should I serve with this pizza?

A light salad or a side of marinara for dipping works wonderfully alongside this heart-shaped pizza.