Romantic Homemade Pizza Valentine (Printable Version)

A charming homemade pizza with mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh basil, perfect for a Valentine's celebration.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 packet active dry yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
06 - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

→ Toppings

07 - 1 cup pizza sauce
08 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
10 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
11 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Let rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
02 - Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
03 - Knead dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 475°F.
06 - Roll out the dough on a floured surface to desired thickness.
07 - Transfer dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, sprinkle mozzarella cheese, then add pepperoni and olives.
08 - Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
09 - Remove pizza from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For a festive touch, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter on the dough before baking.
02 - Try alternative toppings such as mushrooms or bell peppers to customize flavor.
03 - Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.