If you’re looking for a fun and utterly charming twist on your usual pizza night, I can’t wait to share my Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe with you. This recipe isn’t just adorable—it’s ridiculously tasty and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, if you’ve ever struggled with getting dough right or shaping fun pizza designs, I’ve got you covered with all my tips and tricks so you can make these beauties like a pro!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Presentation: The heart shape makes it a perfect treat for sharing on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
- Twist Technique: Those cute twisted strips bake up crispy and cheesy, bringing texture that everyone loves.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily swap out sauces and toppings to suit your family’s favorites.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Even if you’re new to bread-making, the step-by-step instructions make this recipe totally doable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. I always choose fresh mozzarella for that melty pull and authentic pizza sauce, but you can make your own pesto for an extra herbaceous punch.
- Instant yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh for the best rise; I once had a batch fail because the yeast was old, so always check expiration dates!
- Warm water: Keep it between 100-110°F to activate the yeast without killing it — too hot and you’ll lose your rise.
- Granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the savory toppings.
- Pink Himalayan sea salt: Gives a clean, subtle salty flavor without being overpowering.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to the dough and helps with that golden crust.
- Bread flour: Higher protein content means your dough will have better structure and chew.
- Pesto: My secret twist is to spread pesto on half the heart for an herby surprise.
- Pizza sauce: Go for a thin layer to prevent sogginess when twisting your dough — this is key!
- Shredded mozzarella: Use good-quality, whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt and stretch.
- Shredded Parmesan: A little sharpness that brightens the cheese flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Brings all those classic herby pizza notes together perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan: For that finishing touch right before baking and serving.
Variations
I love making the Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists a bit differently depending on the occasion. Sometimes I load it up with veggies for a family-friendly dinner, and other times I keep it simple with classic mozzarella and pepperoni for a game night crowd — feel free to get creative!
- Vegetarian version: Swap out meats for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach; my kids gobble it up without noticing the extra greens.
- Gluten-free twist: I tried a gluten-free flour blend once; just be gentle with kneading since it doesn’t develop gluten the same way.
- Herb variations: Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick — it’s always a hit when I mix it up!
How to Make Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough and Let It Rise
Start by mixing your yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and olive oil in your stand mixer bowl fitted with the dough hook. I like to add half the flour first to get things incorporated before slowly adding the rest. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes on low speed until it’s soft and not sticky anymore — this took me a couple tries to get just right, so don’t fret if yours feels a bit different at first.
Once kneaded, coat the dough ball in a little olive oil, cover the bowl, and let it sit in a warm spot for 1-2 hours until doubled in size. I usually pop mine near a sunny window or on top of the fridge if I’m in a hurry.
Step 2: Shape the Dough Into Hearts
After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. You can eyeball it or use a kitchen scale — mine usually come out close to 1 pound each. Roll out each piece on a very lightly floured surface and form it into a heart shape. I discovered that cutting a parchment paper heart template helped me get a symmetrical shape, and folding it gently in half once or twice made both sides match really well.
Step 3: Layer Your Toppings and Assemble
Place one heart on parchment paper and spread your sauce evenly but thinly — this keeps the twists neat when cutting later. I like half pesto and half pizza sauce for a flavor balance that wowed my family! Sprinkle your cheeses and any small toppings like chopped pepperoni or olives (smaller bits make twisting easier).
Carefully place the second heart on top, then use a cookie cutter or something similar placed in the middle as a guide to slice evenly. I found about 10 strips worked well, slicing from the bottom point outwards, alternating sides. Don’t stress the perfect spacing — these twists look homemade and that’s part of the charm!
Step 4: Twist and Rise Again
Starting from the bottom, twist each strip two full turns — right strips one way, left strips the other. It creates this gorgeous visual with crispy, cheesy edges. Then cover the heart loosely and let it rise for 30 minutes while you preheat your oven to 400°F. This second rise is a step I never skip; it gives the final bake that perfect lightness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the surface with olive oil mixed with Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan — this combo browns beautifully and smells incredible while baking. Transfer your heart-shaped twists, parchment and all, onto a full rimmed baking sheet to allow room for expansion. I learnt the hard way using a smaller pan—it just wasn’t enough space!
Bake for 28 minutes, turning the pan halfway through to brown evenly. Once golden, sprinkle a final dusting of Parmesan and serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping. My whole family goes crazy for this step — dipping those cheesy twists is half the fun.
Pro Tips for Making Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe
- Use a Parchment Template: This really helped me get symmetrical hearts without the stress of freehand shaping.
- Keep Sauce Layers Thin: Too much moisture can make twisting messy and soggy—trust me, I learned that one the hard way.
- Twist Gently but Firmly: Twisting tight enough locks in the filling and gives those attractive crispy edges we all want.
- Use a Full Rimmed Pan: The dough expands more than I initially expected, so give it plenty of room to bake evenly.
How to Serve Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe
Garnishes
When serving, I like to add just a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil on top to brighten the flavors and add color. A little cracked black pepper on the plate also brings an aromatic touch. And don’t skip extra grated Parmesan on the side — it’s perfect for sprinkling over each bite.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these pizza twists are a crisp Caesar salad or some roasted garlic green beans. The greens add freshness that balances the savory richness of the cheesy twists perfectly. If you want something a bit heartier, garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are also amazing.
Creative Ways to Present
For Valentine’s Day, I once served these pizza twists on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh flowers and candles — it made the whole meal feel extra special. You could even add a dipping station with marinara, pesto, and ranch dressings! I’ve also wrapped individual twists in parchment with a ribbon for cute party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers (which doesn’t happen often!), I store the pizza twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from getting soggy, I place a paper towel underneath — it absorbs moisture and keeps that wonderful crust crispy.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to prep in advance. I wrap individual twists tightly in plastic wrap then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the twists in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes on a baking sheet — this method keeps them crisp and melty without drying them out like the microwave does.
FAQs
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Can I make this Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand on a floured surface — it just takes a bit more elbow grease and about 8-10 minutes of kneading until the dough is smooth and pulls away from the sides.
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What can I use if I don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter?
No worries! You can create your own heart template from parchment paper to shape your dough and make the cuts, or use any similarly sized round object placed in the center as a guide for slicing the twist strips.
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How do I prevent my dough from drying out during shaping?
Keep any dough you’re not working on covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. While shaping, lightly flour your surface to prevent sticking but try not to add too much or it can toughen the dough.
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Can I add other toppings like pepperoni or olives?
Yes! Just chop toppings into smaller pieces so they don’t interfere with the twisting and baking. Remember to keep sauce layers thin to avoid sogginess during the twists.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe brings something special to the table — whether it’s a fun date night, a family dinner, or a festive gathering. It’s playful, delicious, and a little unexpected, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it. I hope you’ll give it a try and be amazed at how easy it is to turn simple ingredients into something that feels so celebratory. Trust me, once you nail those twists and see the smiles, you’ll be hooked too!
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Heart-Shaped Pizza Twists Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 43 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Tearin’ Up My Heart Pizza Twists is a fun and festive heart-shaped pizza featuring twisted dough strips filled with pesto, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, this recipe combines homemade bread dough, flavorful sauces, and cheesy goodness baked until golden and irresistible.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (100-110°F)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp fine pink Himalayan sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups bread flour
Filling Ingredients
- 2 tbsp pesto
- 3 tbsp pizza sauce
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
Topping and Finishing Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 2 cups of bread flour and mix until mostly incorporated. Then add the remaining flour one cup at a time until the dough forms and pulls from the sides.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on low mixer speed for 5 minutes until it is soft and no longer sticky.
- Let Dough Rise: Remove dough from the mixer bowl, oil the bowl with a teaspoon olive oil, return the dough and roll it in the oil so it is coated. Cover bowl and let dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours until doubled, typically 1 1/2 hours.
- Divide Dough: Weigh the dough and divide into two equal sections (about 1 lb each). Keep unused dough covered to prevent drying out.
- Shape Dough Hearts: On a lightly floured surface, roll one section of dough into an approximately 12×12 inch heart shape using a parchment paper template as a guide. Repeat with second dough ball. Place each heart on parchment and cover.
- Add Sauces and Cheese: Spread pesto on half of the bottom dough heart and pizza sauce on the other half in a thin, even layer. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Optional small chopped toppings can be added carefully.
- Top with Second Dough Layer: Carefully lay second dough heart on top of the sauce and cheese layer. Place a heart-shaped cookie cutter in the center as a slicing guide.
- Slice the Heart: Using a sharp knife and the cookie cutter as a reference, make evenly spaced slices (approximately 1 inch wide) from bottom to top along both sides, creating about 10 strips total.
- Twist Strips: Starting from the bottom right strip, lift and twist it two full turns counterclockwise. Twist the bottom left strip clockwise. Continue twisting strips moving upward alternating directions as you go.
- Second Rise: Leave the cookie cutter in place, lightly cover the heart, and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 400°F with rack in center.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the entire dough surface with olive oil mixed with Italian seasoning using a pastry brush.
- Bake: Using the parchment paper, transfer the twisted dough heart onto a full-sized rimmed baking sheet (25 x 17 1/4 inches) to allow expansion. Bake for 28 minutes, turning the pan halfway through at 15 minutes, until golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven, top with grated Parmesan, and serve immediately with extra sauce for dipping.
Notes
- The heart shape makes this recipe perfect for Valentine’s Day or romantic occasions.
- Keep toppings small or chopped finely to ease twisting and slicing.
- Use parchment paper for easy transfer to the baking sheet.
- Ensure dough is well risen for best texture and flavor.
- Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter about 2 1/2 x 2 3/4 inches for slicing guidance.
- Baking on a large rimmed sheet pan prevents dough overflow and aids even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
