Valentine’s Day cooking classes at Pizzeria Due
Valentine’s Day cooking classes at Pizzeria Due is a medium American (Chicago) recipe that serves 2. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by CBS Chicago on YouTube.
Prep: 35 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min
Cost: $21.04 total, $10.52 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted, for the dough)
- 1 cup Warm Water (about 110°F to activate yeast)
- 2 tsp Active Dry Yeast (instant dry yeast)
- 1 tsp Sugar (feeds the yeast)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for the dough)
- 2 tbsp Canola Oil (part of the crust‑brushing blend)
- 2 tbsp Corn Oil (gives the crust its golden color and slight corn flavor)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 20 slices Pepperoni (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup Fresh Spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 0.5 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 cup Mushrooms (sliced button mushrooms)
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce (store‑bought or homemade marinara)
- 0.25 cup Pineapple Chunks (optional, for a sweet topping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 500°F (260°C) and let it preheat fully.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 500°F
Mix Oil Blend for Crust
Combine the canola oil and corn oil in a small bowl. Set aside for brushing the dough edges.
Time: PT5M
Shape the Dough
Press the prepared pizza dough into the heart‑shaped pan, pushing the edges up about ½ inch to form a deep‑dish wall.
Time: PT5M
Brush Crust with Oil
Using the silicone brush, lightly coat the raised edges of the dough with the oil blend.
Time: PT3M
Layer Cheese
Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the dough, then add the grated Parmesan on top.
Time: PT3M
Add Toppings
Scatter the spinach, sliced red onion, diced green pepper, sliced mushrooms, and pepperoni (or pineapple) over the cheese layer.
Time: PT5M
Top with Sauce
Spoon the pizza sauce over the toppings, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the crust.
Time: PT3M
Bake the Pizza
Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 45 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 500°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegan, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Bread Flour
- Instead of Warm Water: Filtered Water
- Instead of Active Dry Yeast: Fresh Yeast
- Instead of Sugar: Honey
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola Oil
- Instead of Canola Oil: Vegetable Oil
- Instead of Corn Oil: Canola Oil
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Pepperoni: Salami
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Kale
- Instead of Red Onion: White Onion
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red Bell Pepper
- Instead of Mushrooms: Cremini Mushrooms
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: Marinara Sauce
- Instead of Pineapple Chunks: Diced Ham
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rolling Pin
- Heart‑Shaped Deep‑Dish Pan
- Oven
- Silicone Brush
- Ladle or Large Spoon
- Pizza Cutter
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to a high temperature (500°F or higher).
- Push the dough up the pan sides about ½ inch to create a deep‑dish wall.
- Layer mozzarella and Parmesan before any sauce or toppings.
- Bake for the full 45 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mixture of canola and corn oil for that signature golden‑corn flavor on the crust.
- Press the dough gently with your fingertips to avoid tearing while shaping the heart.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano to the cheese layer.
Troubleshooting
Crust is soggy after baking.
Make sure the cheese layer is placed directly on the dough before any sauce, and brush the crust edges with oil. Also, bake at a high temperature for the full time.
Toppings are undercooked.
Slice vegetables thinly and pre‑sauté harder vegetables (like mushrooms) briefly, or increase bake time by 5‑10 minutes.
Pizza sticks to the pan.
Generously oil the pan and the dough edges before baking, and let the pizza rest a few minutes before removing it from the pan.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate; bring to room temperature before shaping.
- The sauce can be made 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Assemble the pizza up to the sauce stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza in Chicago cuisine?
Heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza is a modern twist on the classic Chicago deep‑dish, created for special occasions like Valentine's Day. While traditional deep‑dish dates back to the 1940s, the heart shape adds a romantic visual element that has become popular for couples' events and celebrations in Chicago.
What are the traditional regional variations of deep‑dish pizza in Chicago and how does the heart‑shaped version differ?
Classic Chicago deep‑dish is round, thick, and layered with cheese first, then toppings, and sauce on top. The heart‑shaped version keeps the same layering technique but uses a heart‑shaped pan, giving a festive appearance while preserving the buttery, crispy crust that Chicago is known for.
How is heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza traditionally served in Chicago restaurants?
It is usually served hot, sliced into wedges, often accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of champagne or wine for a romantic meal. Some venues also include a dessert plate to complete the Valentine’s Day experience.
What occasions or celebrations is heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza traditionally associated with in Chicago culture?
The heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza is most commonly associated with Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and couple’s date nights. Pizzerias like Pizzeria DO host special cooking classes and events around this dish for those occasions.
How does heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza fit into the broader Chicago cuisine tradition?
Chicago cuisine celebrates hearty, comfort‑food dishes, and deep‑dish pizza is a flagship item. The heart‑shaped version embraces that tradition while adding a playful, celebratory shape, making it a perfect centerpiece for festive meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include a yeasted wheat dough, a blend of canola and corn oil for the crust, low‑moisture mozzarella, Parmesan, pepperoni, and a robust tomato sauce. Substitutes can include provolone for mozzarella, Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, and sausage or ham in place of pepperoni.
What other Chicago dishes pair well with heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza?
A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, Italian beef sliders, or a classic Chicago‑style hot dog make great side dishes. For drinks, a glass of sparkling wine or a local craft beer complements the richness of the pizza.
What makes heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza special or unique in Chicago cuisine?
Its unique heart shape adds a romantic visual appeal while retaining the signature buttery, corn‑oil brushed crust and cheese‑first layering that defines Chicago deep‑dish. This combination of presentation and flavor sets it apart from ordinary pies.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza at home?
Common mistakes include not pushing the dough up the pan sides enough (resulting in a thin edge), adding sauce before cheese (which makes the crust soggy), and under‑baking the pizza at a low temperature. Follow the cheese‑first method and bake at a high heat for the full time.
Why does this heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza recipe use a cheese‑first layering technique instead of sauce first?
Placing cheese directly on the dough creates a moisture barrier that prevents the sauce from soaking into the crust, keeping the bottom crisp and preventing a goopy texture. This technique is essential for deep‑dish pizzas.
Can I make heart‑shaped deep‑dish pizza ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes. You can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and you can assemble the pizza up to the sauce stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking. Bake directly from the fridge; just add a few extra minutes if needed.
What does the YouTube channel CBS Chicago specialize in?
The YouTube channel CBS Chicago focuses on local news, community events, and lifestyle features, including food and restaurant highlights that showcase Chicago’s culinary scene.
How does the YouTube channel CBS Chicago's approach to Chicago‑style pizza differ from other cooking channels?
CBS Chicago emphasizes local traditions, interviews with restaurant owners, and real‑world event promotions, offering viewers insider tips and authentic regional perspectives that differ from generic recipe channels.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
