Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of salt and sugar (to taste)
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Your choice of toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
How to Make Mini Heart Pizzas
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step ensures your dough rises properly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together. Knead it on a lightly floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for an hour or until it doubles in size.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, store-bought pizza dough works too!
Step 2: Shape the Hearts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out as many hearts as possible. Re-roll the scraps to maximize the dough.
Place the heart-shaped dough pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Add the Sauce
Prepare your pizza sauce by combining tomato sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cool slightly.
Spread a thin layer of sauce over each dough heart. Be careful not to overload—it’s a mini pizza, after all!
Step 4: Top and Bake
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add your choice of toppings—this is where you can get creative. Think tiny pepperoni slices, colorful veggie bits, or even a drizzle of pesto.
Bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Creative Topping Ideas for Mini Heart Pizzas
Want to take your mini heart pizzas to the next level? Here are some fun topping combinations to try:
- Classic Margherita: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
- Meat Lover’s: Pepperoni, sausage, and bacon crumbles.
- Veggie Delight: Bell peppers, onions, olives, and mushrooms.
- BBQ Chicken: BBQ sauce, shredded chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
- Caprese Style: Mozzarella, cherry tomato halves, and a balsamic glaze drizzle.
Feel free to mix and match toppings based on your taste preferences.
Conclusion
Mini heart pizzas aren’t just adorable—they’re delicious, versatile, and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to impress. From crafting the dough to choosing unique toppings, every step is an opportunity to infuse love into your cooking.
Next time you’re looking for a way to make your meal extra special, give these mini heart pizzas a try. Trust me, they’re bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection! So, what’s stopping you? Grab your rolling pin and let the pizza party begin! 🍕❤️
