Name: Valentine's Day Calzone Hearts
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp active dry yeast; ¾ cup warm water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup diced pepperoni (or cooked sausage, mushrooms, spinach, etc.); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 large egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water, for egg wash); ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping); Olive oil (for brushing)

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Who says pizza has to be round? These adorable heart-shaped calzones are stuffed with all the classic pizza ingredients—cheese, sauce, and delicious toppings. Whether you’re a fan of pepperoni, veggies, or a simple cheese filling, these calzones have you covered. They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a festive Valentine’s Day meal. Trust me, these little pockets of love are going to be the highlight of your dinner!

Why You’ll Love Valentine’s Day Calzone Hearts

Super Fun & Creative: These heart-shaped calzones are a playful way to celebrate the season of love. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a little extra flair.
Customizable: Add whatever fillings you like! Keep it classic with mozzarella and pepperoni or go vegetarian with a mix of veggies and cheese.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious, warm, cheesy calzones ready to serve. No need for complicated techniques—just a little folding, sealing, and baking!
Great for Sharing: These calzones are perfectly portioned for individual servings, but you can also make a bigger batch for a crowd. Either way, everyone’s sure to love them.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious heart-shaped calzones:

Pizza Dough

You can use store-bought pizza dough for a quick and easy option or make your own if you prefer. The dough is the foundation of these heart-shaped pockets, so choose one that you love!

Mozzarella Cheese

This classic, melty cheese is the heart of any good calzone. You can use shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella—either will melt beautifully inside the dough.

Pizza Sauce

A smooth, tangy pizza sauce is essential for that delicious pizza flavor inside the calzone. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.

Toppings

You can fill your calzones with anything you like—think pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, or even some fresh basil for a gourmet touch.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started! These Valentine’s Day Calzone Hearts come together in a few simple steps:

Prepare the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a rectangle or square, and then cut it into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or freehand with a knife.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will give you a beautifully golden and crispy crust.

Assemble the Calzones

Place the heart-shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon a little pizza sauce into the center of each heart, leaving some space around the edges. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Add any extra toppings you’d like—be generous!

Seal the Edges

Fold the dough over the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the calzone, then crimp the edges with a fork for a pretty, rustic finish.

Bake the Calzones

Place the calzones in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbling inside. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the calzones are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve them hot with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Valentine’s Day Calzone Hearts

These adorable calzones are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them for the perfect meal:

With a Salad: Pair the calzones with a crisp green salad, tossed with a light vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside some warm, garlicky breadsticks or garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
As a Fun Snack: Cut the calzones into smaller pieces and serve as finger food for a party or game day snack.

Additional Tips

Make Them Mini: You can make these calzones even smaller for a fun appetizer or snack. Simply cut the dough into smaller hearts and reduce the baking time slightly.
Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Add vegetables, bacon, or even a little drizzle of pesto for a gourmet twist.
Use Leftovers: These calzones are a great way to use up leftover meats, veggies, or cheese. Get creative with whatever you have on hand.
Freeze for Later: If you want to make a big batch, these calzones freeze beautifully. Just assemble them, bake them halfway (until golden), let them cool, and freeze. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly for this recipe, saving you time and effort.

Q2: Can I add extra cheese to the calzones?
A2: Absolutely! Feel free to add more cheese for a gooey, cheesy center. Ricotta or Parmesan make great additions.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the calzones ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them and bake them straight from the freezer.

Q4: How do I make these vegan?
A4: Use a vegan pizza dough and vegan cheese. You can also fill them with your favorite veggies and a dairy-free sauce.

Q5: Can I make these with gluten-free dough?
A5: Yes, just use gluten-free pizza dough to make them gluten-free. Follow the instructions on the dough packaging for best results.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Q7: Can I use different sauces inside the calzone?
A7: Absolutely! Try using pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even barbecue sauce for a fun twist.

Q8: Can I make these bigger for a family-sized portion?
A8: Yes! Simply use larger heart-shaped dough, add more filling, and bake for a few extra minutes.

Q9: How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
A9: Be sure not to overfill the calzone with sauce or wet ingredients. Also, try to cook any vegetables before adding them to the filling to reduce moisture.

Q10: Can I add sweet fillings for dessert calzones?
A10: Absolutely! For a sweet treat, you can use Nutella, fruit, and even a dusting of powdered sugar once baked.

Conclusion

Valentine’s Day Calzone Hearts are a playful, delicious, and heartwarming way to celebrate love and good food. Whether you’re making them for a special someone, the whole family, or just for yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. So roll out the dough, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready for some heart-filled culinary fun!

Enjoy making these heart-shaped delights! 💖 Let me know if you need any other fun recipes or ideas!