Description
These Mini Heart-Shaped Pizzas are a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza, perfect for a romantic meal or a special treat. Made from scratch with a homemade yeast dough, topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh basil, these pizzas are baked to perfection with a golden, crispy crust and bubbly cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
Toppings
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking.
- Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a small ball.
- Shape the Pizzas: Roll out each dough ball into a small circle and carefully shape into a heart using your hands or a knife.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the heart-shaped dough pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Sauce: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over each heart-shaped pizza base.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the sauce.
- Add Toppings: Add your desired toppings such as pepperoni slices or fresh basil leaves.
- Brush Crust: Lightly brush the crust edges with olive oil to achieve a golden finish when baked.
- Bake the Pizzas: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the crust turns golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Warm the water to about 110°F to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Feel free to customize toppings with vegetables or different cheeses according to your preference.
- For a crispier crust, bake pizzas on a preheated pizza stone if available.
- Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor.
- These mini pizzas make a perfect appetizer or fun meal for kids and adults alike.
