Cooking With WCCO: Valentine’s Day Pizza

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

1. 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

2. Prepare Work Surface

   Sprinkle cornmeal on a clean countertop or on parchment paper to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT2M

3. 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

4. Brush Crust Edge

   Lightly brush the outer edge of the dough with olive oil to promote browning.

   Time: PT1M

5. Add Cheese Layer

   Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

   Time: PT2M

6. 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

7. Arrange Pepperoni

   Place pepperoni slices around the heart, covering the surface evenly. Feel free to add extra toppings if desired.

   Time: PT2M

8. 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

9. 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