Cooking With Wcco: Valentine’s Day Pizza
Cooking With WCCO: Valentine’s Day Pizza is a easy American recipe that serves 3. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by WCCO - CBS Minnesota on YouTube.
Prep: 21 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $9.49 total, $3.16 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 piece Thin‑Crust Pizza Dough (12‑inch pre‑made thin crust, refrigerated)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, low‑moisture)
- 1 cup Pizza Sauce (Store‑bought or homemade marinara)
- 30 slices Pepperoni Slices (Standard sliced pepperoni)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For brushing crust edges)
- 2 tablespoons Cornmeal (For dusting baking surface)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 475°F and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes. If using a pizza stone, place it on the middle rack while preheating.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 475°F
Prepare Work Surface
Sprinkle cornmeal on a clean countertop or on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Time: PT2M
Shape the Heart
Place the thin‑crust dough on the corn‑mealed surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it to a 12‑inch circle, then cut a heart shape with a knife or heart‑shaped cutter. Transfer the shaped dough onto the parchment paper or directly onto the baking sheet.
Time: PT5M
Brush Crust Edge
Lightly brush the outer edge of the dough with olive oil to promote browning.
Time: PT1M
Add Cheese Layer
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
Time: PT2M
Spread Sauce
Spoon the pizza sauce over the cheese and spread it with the back of the spoon, leaving the crust edge uncovered.
Time: PT2M
Arrange Pepperoni
Place pepperoni slices around the heart, covering the surface evenly. Feel free to add extra toppings if desired.
Time: PT2M
Bake Pizza
Slide the pizza (on parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 475°F
Cool and Slice
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then cut into slices using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 10g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten
Allergens: Wheat, Dairy, Soy (in some sauces)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thin‑Crust Pizza Dough: Homemade pizza dough
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Pizza Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Pepperoni Slices: Salami, Turkey pepperoni
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Cornmeal: All‑purpose flour
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife
- Oven Mitts
- Parchment Paper (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat Oven
- Shape the Heart
- Brush Crust Edge
- Bake Pizza
Chef Tips from the Video
- Dust the rolling surface with cornmeal instead of flour for a crispier bottom
- Brush the crust with a little melted butter after baking for extra flavor
- For a sweeter twist, drizzle honey over the finished pizza before serving
Troubleshooting
Dough tears while shaping
Let the dough rest for an additional 5‑10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Soggy crust
Pat the sauce dry with a paper towel and use less sauce; bake on a preheated pizza stone.
Cheese doesn’t melt fully
Increase oven temperature to 500°F for the last 2 minutes or cover with foil briefly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours
- Pre‑make the sauce and store in the fridge
- You can assemble the pizza up to 30 minutes before baking and keep it covered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of heart shaped pizza in American Valentine’s Day celebrations?
Heart shaped pizza has become a popular novelty in the United States for Valentine’s Day, symbolizing love and sharing a favorite comfort food. While pizza itself is Italian, the heart shape is a modern American twist that restaurants and home cooks use to make the meal feel festive and romantic.
How did the tradition of sending heart shaped pizza as a Valentine’s Day gift start in the United States?
The tradition grew in the early 2000s when pizza chains began offering special heart‑shaped crusts for Valentine’s Day promotions. It quickly spread to local pizzerias and home cooks as a fun, easy way to personalize a beloved dish for a loved one.
What regional variations of heart shaped pizza exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, home cooks often use thin‑crust dough and classic pepperoni, while in coastal areas you might find gourmet versions with arugula, goat cheese, or figs. Some Southern versions incorporate spicy sausage and a honey drizzle for a sweet‑heat balance.
What occasions besides Valentine’s Day are heart shaped pizzas commonly served for in American culture?
Heart shaped pizzas are also popular for anniversaries, proposals, bridal showers, and even as a playful dish for “National Pizza Day” celebrations. They’re a crowd‑pleasing way to add a decorative touch to any gathering.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a classic American heart shaped pizza and what are acceptable substitutes?
A classic American heart shaped pizza uses thin‑crust dough, tomato‑based pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and pepperoni. Substitutes include whole‑wheat crust, marinara sauce, provolone or cheddar cheese, and turkey pepperoni or sliced sausage for different flavor profiles.
What other American side dishes pair well with a heart shaped pizza for a Valentine’s Day meal?
Pairs nicely with a simple mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, garlic knots, or a creamy Caesar salad. For drinks, a crisp rosé or a cold craft beer complements the pizza’s richness.
What makes a heart shaped pizza special or unique in American pizza culture?
The heart shape turns a familiar comfort food into a visual expression of love, making it memorable and shareable on social media. It also allows for creative topping patterns that can spell out messages or form decorative designs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making heart shaped pizza at home?
Common mistakes include over‑loading sauce, which makes the crust soggy, not preheating the oven or stone enough, and handling the thin dough too roughly, which can cause tears. Follow the critical steps for shaping, brushing, and baking to ensure success.
Why does this heart shaped pizza recipe use a pre‑made thin‑crust dough instead of a thick dough?
A thin‑crust dough cooks quickly at high heat, giving a crisp edge that holds the heart shape without becoming floppy. Thick dough would require longer baking and could lose its defined shape, especially with the weight of toppings.
Can I make the heart shaped pizza ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes. Assemble the pizza up to the topping stage, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes. Bake directly from the fridge; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What does the YouTube channel WCCO - CBS Minnesota specialize in?
The YouTube channel WCCO - CBS Minnesota focuses on local news, community stories, and lifestyle segments, including cooking demonstrations that highlight quick, family‑friendly recipes for everyday occasions.
How does the YouTube channel WCCO - CBS Minnesota's approach to cooking videos differ from other cooking channels?
WCCO - CBS Minnesota blends cooking tutorials with local cultural references and humor, often featuring guest personalities and tying recipes to regional events like Valentine’s Day, whereas many cooking channels focus solely on technique or celebrity chefs.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
