Name: Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ¾ Cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free or regular); 3 Tablespoons parmesan cheese (grated); ½ Teaspoon baking powder; ¾ Teaspoon salt; 1 ½ Teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 Tablespoon honey; 1 Cup water (warm); 3 Tablespoons olive oil (divided); 1 Tablespoon butter; ½ Teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ Teaspoon garlic powder; Salt (to taste); Pizza sauce (any kind, as needed); Mozzarella cheese (fresh, small balls or slices); Basil (fresh leaves); Cherry tomatoes (halved); Pepperoni (gluten-free if needed); Parmesan cheese (shredded, for topping)

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking to impress someone special or simply want to add a little extra love to your pizza night, this Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines a tender, homemade crust with a flavorful garlic herb oil, fresh mozzarella, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves for a light yet indulgent meal. This recipe is all about simple but fresh ingredients coming together in a heartwarming way — literally — making it perfect for sharing, savoring, and creating memories around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A heart-shaped pizza dough lays flat on a white marbled surface covered lightly with flour. The dough is pale with darker herbs visible in it. The top of the dough is spread evenly with a vibrant red tomato sauce that has a smooth but thick texture, applied with a wooden spoon resting on the edge of the dough. Around the pizza dough are fresh green basil leaves, small bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine, a small pile of white mozzarella cheese cubes, and a white bowl filled with extra tomato sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy or complicated here — just straightforward ingredients that each play an important role in bringing this pizza to life. From the flour that creates the perfect chewy crust to the fresh basil that adds that signature aromatic pop, every item counts.

All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your dough, giving it structure and chewiness; gluten-free options work well too.
Parmesan cheese (grated and shredded): Adds a savory depth both in the dough and as a topping sprinkle.
Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly for a light texture.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dough and toppings.
Active dry yeast: The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise beautifully.
Honey: Sweetens the dough subtly to complement the savory toppings.
Warm water: Activates the yeast and binds the ingredients together.
Olive oil: Infuses the dough and crust with richness and helps create a golden, crisp exterior.
Butter: Blended into the seasoned oil for unexpected richness and flavor.
Italian seasoning: Brings in classic herbal notes to the butter mixture for brushing.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle garlic flavor without overpowering the toppings.
Pizza sauce: Choose your favorite kind to build a flavorful base.
Mozzarella cheese (fresh): Melts beautifully and adds that comforting creamy texture.
Fresh basil: Adds vibrant color and a burst of herbal freshness.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Bring sweetness, juiciness, and gorgeous red brightness to the pizza.
Pepperoni: Optional, for a savory, slightly spicy kick (opt for gluten-free if needed).

How to Make Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Bloom the Yeast

Start by mixing warm water with honey and active dry yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy — this means the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic on your dough.

Step 2: Combine Dough Ingredients

Once the yeast is frothy, add olive oil and the remaining dry ingredients: flour, parmesan, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until the dough comes together into a thick, sticky ball.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Shape your dough into a ball and drizzle with a bit more olive oil to keep it moist. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or plastic wrap, then let it rest in a warm spot for 45 to 90 minutes. This rest time lets your dough develop flavor and texture, with longer times adding more depth.

Step 4: Preheat Oven and Shape Dough

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil a cookie sheet or pizza pan and roll out your dough directly on it, gently pressing into that charming heart shape. Allow the shaped dough to rest for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 5: Prepare Seasoned Oil Mixture

While the dough rests, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning in a microwave-safe dish. Heat for about 10 seconds until the butter melts, then stir to create a fragrant, flavorful brush-on topping.

Step 6: Brush and Partially Bake the Crust

Brush the seasoned oil generously over the entire surface of your heart-shaped crust, making sure the edges get some love too. Bake the crust for 7 to 10 minutes, just until it’s set and no longer doughy. This step ensures a crisp base once your toppings are added.

Step 7: Add Your Favorite Toppings

Remove the crust from the oven and spread a layer of pizza sauce. Follow with fresh mozzarella pieces, halved cherry tomatoes, pepperoni (if using), and a sprinkle of shredded parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Bake the Assembled Pizza

Increase oven temperature to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and return the pizza to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it — the cheese should melt and bubble with golden edges, while the tomatoes soften just enough without losing their shape.

Step 9: Final Touches and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your pizza rest a few minutes so the cheese firms up slightly. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves before cutting into your heart-shaped masterpiece.

How to Serve Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

The image shows a slice of pizza on a white plate with a brown rim placed on a white marbled surface dusted with flour. The pizza slice has three main layers: a golden-brown crust, a rich red tomato sauce, and melted white cheese. On top, there are bright red halved cherry tomatoes and fresh green basil leaves scattered evenly. Next to the slice on the plate are three whole cherry tomatoes. In the background, more pizza slices with the same toppings and some slices of reddish-brown cured meat are visible on the white marbled surface. A silver knife lies nearby, and some loose basil leaves are also seen on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the star garnish here, adding that unmistakable herbal aroma and burst of green color. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan or drizzle a little balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast that really elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese. Garlic roasted vegetables or a light soup also make wonderful companions without overshadowing the pizza’s fresh flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your heart-shaped pizza on a wooden board or rustic platter to bring out its charm. Pair with a chilled glass of sparkling water or your favorite wine to make every bite feel like a celebration of flavor and love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing to maintain texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough before shaping the pizza by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use to preserve that perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza in a hot skillet or oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the crust crispy while melting the cheese just right, reviving the pizza as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make this Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and ensure that all other ingredients, like pepperoni, are labeled gluten-free for a safe and delicious pizza.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil or substitute with fresh spinach or arugula after baking for a fresh, leafy touch, though fresh basil adds the most authentic flavor.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and store it covered in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before shaping to make it easier to roll and shape.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can make this pizza vegan by using plant-based cheese and substituting the butter with vegan margarine or additional olive oil. Just double-check that the dough ingredients are free from animal products.

What’s the best way to shape the dough into a heart?

The easiest method is to roll the dough into a rough round, then gently pinch the top to form the cleft of the heart and shape the bottom into a rounded point. Taking your time and lightly oiling your hands helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Heart-Shaped Pizza with Fresh Basil and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a wonderful way to turn a simple pizza night into something memorable and fun. The combination of fresh ingredients, homemade dough, and that special heart shape makes it truly a dish made with love. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making it again and again for your nearest and dearest.