1. Prepare the Pizza Dough

If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to shape it, allowing it to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to roll out.

For homemade dough, follow your preferred pizza dough recipe. After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles, then divide it into portions based on how many heart-shaped pizzas you plan to make.

Lightly flour your work surface, and then roll out the dough into a round or oval shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Use a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness, and make sure the dough doesn’t stick by adding a little more flour if necessary.

2. Shape the Dough into a Heart

To create the heart shape, you can use a large heart-shaped cookie cutter, or you can simply shape the dough by hand. If you’re using the cookie cutter, place it over the rolled-out dough and cut around it to form a perfect heart shape.

If you’re shaping it by hand, start by forming the dough into a rough round. Then, gently pinch the top edges to form two “lobes” and taper the bottom to a point, shaping it into a heart.

Once you’ve shaped the dough into a heart, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza stone for baking.

3. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This high temperature helps ensure that the pizza crust becomes golden and crispy. If you’re using a pizza stone, make sure it is placed in the oven while preheating to ensure an even, crispy crust.

4. Assemble the Pizza

Once the dough is shaped and placed on the baking sheet or pizza stone, it’s time to add the toppings. Start by spreading a thin layer of pizza sauce over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be sure to cover the entire pizza with cheese, but don’t overdo it, as the cheese will melt and spread as it cooks.

Add your chosen toppings. For a classic pizza, you can keep it simple with just cheese, sauce, and a sprinkle of oregano or basil. If you want to get creative, add as many or as few toppings as you like. Popular options include pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and olives, but feel free to experiment and use your favorite pizza toppings.

5. Bake the Pizza

Brush the crust with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish. You can also sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the crust if desired.

Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’re using a pizza stone, the pizza will cook more evenly, and the crust will likely be crispier.

Check the pizza around the 8-minute mark, as oven temperatures vary. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with a bit of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

6. Finish and Serve

Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can garnish it with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and flavor, or drizzle with a little extra olive oil for added richness. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Cut the heart-shaped pizza into slices, serve, and enjoy! These heart-shaped pizzas are perfect for sharing with loved ones, and they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.