Heart Shaped Vegetable Pizza

My daughter came home from school one day clutching a crumpled drawing of a heart-shaped pizza she'd seen in a storybook. Before I could protest about the extra work involved, we were already covered in flour, both of us grinning like conspirators in a tiny kitchen adventure.

Last Valentine's Day, I made three of these pizzas back to back for a family dinner. My husband pretended he was too sophisticated to care about the shape, but I caught him sneaking photos before we ate. The kids fought over who got the pointy bottom slice.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, giving it structure and that satisfying chew
• Instant dry yeast: Skip the proofing step and let it work its magic directly in the flour
• Warm water: Should feel like bath temperature, about 105°F, to wake up the yeast without killing it
• Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the crust tender, not tough
• Tomato sauce: The sweet acidic base that balances all that cheese
• Garlic: Freshly minced releases oils that dried garlic can never match
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic Italian herbs that bloom in the oven's heat
• Shredded mozzarella: Young mozzarella melts into those irresistible cheese pulls
• Bell peppers: Red and yellow bring sweetness and crunch
• Red onion: Thin slices become sweet and mellow when baked
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst juicily in your mouth, bright little explosions
• Baby spinach: Adds color and a slightly earthy note that cuts through the richness
• Fresh basil: Scatter it on after baking so it stays vibrant and aromatic

Instructions

Prepare your oven and workspace:

Heat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Do this first because everything else moves fast once you start.

Mix the dough:

Combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Pour in warm water and olive oil, stir until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let it rest:

Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it relax for 10 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents the dough from snapping back stubbornly.

Shape your heart:

Roll the dough on a floured surface into a heart shape about ¼ inch thick. Don't stress about perfection, slightly lopsided hearts have more character anyway.

Make the sauce:

Whisk tomato sauce with minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spread it evenly over your dough, leaving a ½ inch border for the crust to puff up golden.

Layer the toppings:

Sprinkle mozzarella first so it acts as a base, then arrange bell peppers, onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and olives in whatever pattern makes you happy.

Bake until bubbly:

Slide into the hot oven for 12-15 minutes. You're looking for golden brown edges and cheese that's bubbling with those irresistible browned spots.

Finish with fresh basil:

Let it cool for just 2 minutes, then scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Slice and serve while the cheese is still gloriously stretchy.

Save

Something magical happens when food is shaped like a heart. Even my teenager who usually complains about vegetables ate every slice, spinach and all. Sometimes love really is the secret ingredient.

Making It Your Own

I've learned that the heart shape works with almost any cuisine. Try BBQ sauce with chicken and red onion, or pesto with sun-dried tomatoes and feta. The shape makes even the most basic toppings feel special.

Getting That Perfect Crust

Preheating your baking sheet in the oven helps create that crispy bottom crust you get from a pizza stone. Just be careful transferring the dough, or skip this trick if you're new to heart-shaped pizzas.

Serving Suggestions

This pizza deserves a simple side that doesn't compete for attention. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully, or just cut up some extra vegetables for snacking while it bakes.

• Chill your dough for 30 minutes before rolling for easier shaping
• Cut vegetables uniformly so they all cook at the same rate
• Let the pizza rest for 3 minutes before slicing to keep the cheese from sliding off

Save

Make this for someone you love, even if that someone is just yourself on a Tuesday night. Food made with care always tastes better.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I shape the dough into a perfect heart?

Roll out the dough evenly on a floured surface and gently shape it into a heart by pinching and curving the edges before transferring it to the baking sheet.

→ Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?

Yes, you may use other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina to achieve a similar gooey texture and flavor.

→ What vegetables work best as toppings?

Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, and red onion provide color and flavor, but seasonal vegetables can also be used for variety.

→ How crispy will the crust be after baking?

The crust bakes to a golden, crispy texture that supports the toppings while remaining tender inside.

→ Is it necessary to preheat the oven to a high temperature?

Preheating to 230°C (450°F) ensures the dough cooks quickly and achieves a crisp, golden crust.