What better way to celebrate love than with a homemade heart-shaped pizza? Whether you’re planning a cozy night in with your partner, a fun family dinner, or a Galentine’s gathering, these Valentine’s Day Personal Pizzas are a delicious way to share the love. Using Le Creuset’s Heart-Shaped Cast Iron Pans, you’ll get the perfect crispy crust and even heat distribution for a gourmet pizza experience at home.
Why Cook in a Le Creuset Cast Iron Pan?
Le Creuset’s enameled cast iron retains heat beautifully, ensuring your pizza crust is crisp on the outside while staying soft and chewy inside. Serve these adorable heart-shaped pizzas straight from the pans for a charming presentation. Pair them with a glass of wine or sparkling water for a romantic dinner, or set up a fun pizza-making station for a family-friendly Valentine’s Day activity.
Ingredients
Makes 2 Personal Heart-Shaped Pizzas
For the Dough:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp instant yeast
½ tsp salt
½ cup warm water
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
½ cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings (Customize to Your Taste!):
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan
6-8 slices pepperoni (or heart-shaped pepperoni cutouts!)
½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Method
1. Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
Gradually add warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30-45 minutes, until doubled in size.
2. Make the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 10 minutes, then set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Place the Le Creuset Heart-Shaped Cast Iron Pans in the oven to heat for 5 minutes—this step ensures a crispy crust!
4. Assemble Your Heart Pizzas
Carefully remove the hot pans from the oven and lightly brush with olive oil.
Divide the dough into two portions and stretch each into a heart shape, pressing it into the pans.
Spread a few spoonfuls of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Add your favorite toppings—try layering heart-shaped pepperoni slices for a fun touch!
5. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the pans back into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.