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Heart Shaped Pizza
Dominique

Heart Shaped Pizza

This Heart Shaped Pizza recipe isn't just about delicious flavors; it's about weaving warmth and love into every bite. Imagine a perfectly crisp crust, rich tangy tomato sauce, and melted gooey cheese, all adorned with your favorite toppings, baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 48 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 ½ – 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Your favorite healthy toppings (bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, black olives, cooked lean protein)

Method
 

  1. Activate the Yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Prepare the Dough: To the foamy yeast mixture, add the olive oil and salt. Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Lightly grease your mixing bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. Make the Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 450°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  7. Shape the Heart Shaped Pizza: Gently punch down the risen dough to release the air. Roll out the dough into a 12-14 inch circle and shape it into a heart.
  8. Add Toppings: Transfer the heart-shaped dough to your baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the sauce evenly, sprinkle with cheeses, and add your healthy toppings.
  9. Bake the Heart Shaped Pizza: Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  10. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. For best reheating results, use an oven or skillet.