Perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a fun twist on pizza night, these heart-shaped pizzas are easy to make and packed with flavor. They’re a great way to show someone you care, and kids especially will love the playful design.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for Celebrations – Ideal for date nights, kids’ parties, or romantic dinners
- Customizable – Swap out toppings to match your taste
- Fun for Kids – A great way to get children involved in the kitchen
Ingredients
- 6 small naan pitas (e.g., Longo’s Naan buns)
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 18 slices pepperoni
- 6 teaspoons pizza sauce (or to taste)
- Optional toppings:
- Hot pepper oil
- Hot honey
- Dried oregano
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters:
- 3.7-inch for naan pitas
- 3.2-inch for cheese
- 1.2-inch for pepperoni
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Preparation Tips
- Use sharp cookie cutters to ensure clean heart shapes for the naan, cheese, and pepperoni.
- Avoid adding too much sauce, as it can make the naan soggy. A thin, even layer works best.
- Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure even cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Cut the Hearts
- Use a 3.7-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 6 hearts from the naan pitas.
- Use a 3.2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 6 hearts from the provolone cheese slices.
- Use a 1.2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 18 mini hearts from the pepperoni slices.
3. Assemble the Pizzas
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce on each naan heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place a provolone cheese heart on top of the sauce.
- Add 3 mini pepperoni hearts to each pizza.
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the naan edges turn golden.
5. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)
- For a crispier golden top, broil the pizzas for the last 30–60 seconds.
6. Serve
- Serve warm with optional toppings like hot pepper oil, hot honey, or dried oregano for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These mini pizzas pair well with a variety of sides, making them a complete meal or a fun appetizer. Here are some great options:
Light and Fresh Sides
- Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
- Caprese Salad – Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
- Fruit Skewers – A refreshing contrast to the savory pizza, featuring strawberries, grapes, and melon.
Warm and Comforting Sides
- Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots infused with garlic and herbs.
- Tomato Soup – A classic pairing with pizza, offering a warm and cozy element.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, cheesy bites that complement the pizza’s flavors.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – A flavorful, hearty side filled with cheese and herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making these pizzas is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s how to get it right every time:
Using Too Much Sauce
- Adding excess sauce can make the naan soggy. Use just a thin, even layer to prevent this.
Not Preheating the Oven
- A fully preheated oven ensures an evenly baked, crispy crust. Skipping this step may lead to uneven cooking.
Overloading with Toppings
- Too many toppings can make the pizza difficult to handle and prevent even cooking. Stick to a balanced ratio of sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Forgetting to Broil for Crispiness
- Broiling for the last 30–60 seconds helps achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Without this step, the cheese may not develop the perfect texture.
Cutting Uneven Shapes
- Using dull cookie cutters can result in ragged edges. Sharp cutters create clean, well-defined heart shapes.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the pizzas but do not bake them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30–45 seconds, though this may soften the naan rather than keep it crispy.
Expert Tips
- Use different cheeses: Mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar can add new flavors.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the pepperoni for mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Add spice: A drizzle of hot honey or red pepper flakes enhances the flavor.
- Use gluten-free naan: A great alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pizza dough instead of naan?
Yes, roll out pizza dough and cut heart shapes before baking. Adjust the cooking time as fresh dough may take slightly longer to bake.
What other toppings work well?
Try mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, sausage, or fresh basil.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
How do I make a dairy-free version?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese and focus on flavorful toppings like roasted vegetables and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
Heart-shaped pizzas are a simple yet special way to celebrate occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a fun family dinner. They are quick to make, customizable, and perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or main course, they bring a touch of creativity and joy to any meal.
Try this recipe and experiment with different toppings to make it your own.
Heart-Shaped Pizza
Ingredients
- 6 small naan pitas e.g., Longo’s Naan buns
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 18 slices pepperoni
- 6 teaspoons pizza sauce or to taste
- Optional toppings: hot pepper oil hot honey, or dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Use a 3.7-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 6 hearts out of the naan pitas.
- Use a 3.2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 6 hearts from the provolone cheese slices.
- Use a small 1.2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut 18 mini hearts from the pepperoni slices.
Assemble the pizzas:
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce on each naan heart, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place a provolone cheese heart on top of the sauce.
- Add 3 mini pepperoni hearts to each pizza.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the naan are golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- For a crispier, golden top, broil the pizzas (top burner only) for the last 30–60 seconds.
- Serve warm with optional toppings like hot pepper oil, hot honey, or dried oregano.
Notes
Experiment with cheese types, such as mozzarella, gouda, or cheddar, to match your preferences.
These mini pizzas freeze well—just reheat in the oven for a quick snack or meal.
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