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Heart-Shaped Pizza Margherita

heart-shaped pizza Margherita - featured image
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This easy heart-shaped pizza Margherita is a romantic, nostalgic comfort food perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or any cozy dinner for two. Crisp, chewy crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil make this homemade pizza a celebration on a plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ½ cup (120ml) warm water (about 110°F)
  • 1 tsp (4g) active dry yeast
  • ½ tsp (3g) sugar
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt (fine sea salt preferred)
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • ½ cup (120ml) canned crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • ½ tsp (2g) sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2–3 fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Drizzle of olive oil
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, stir together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add olive oil, flour, and salt. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead dough in the bowl for 1-2 minutes until mostly smooth. If sticky, add a little extra flour.
  4. Form into a ball, rub with olive oil, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled.
  5. While dough rises, pour crushed tomatoes into a small saucepan. Add sugar, salt, olive oil, and garlic if using. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in torn basil at the end.
  6. Preheat oven to its highest setting (475°F or higher). Place pizza stone or baking sheet in oven to preheat.
  7. Tear mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Wash and dry basil leaves.
  8. Punch down risen dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and flatten into a large round (10-12 inches). Shape into a heart by pinching the bottom into a point and indenting the top.
  9. Transfer shaped dough to parchment paper.
  10. Spread a thin layer of sauce over dough, leaving a ½ inch border. Arrange mozzarella pieces evenly. Scatter basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky salt.
  11. Slide parchment and pizza onto hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and browned.
  12. Remove from oven, let cool 2-3 minutes. Top with extra basil and olive oil if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Vegan option: swap dairy-free mozzarella or skip cheese and add nutritional yeast. Pat mozzarella dry to avoid soggy crust. Preheat oven and stone for best results. Kids can help shape the dough. Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven or skillet for crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza margherita, heart-shaped pizza, romantic dinner, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, vegetarian pizza, date night, Italian pizza, Valentine’s Day, anniversary dinner

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/heart-shaped-pizza-margherita-recipe-easy-romantic-dinner-for-two/