Nothing Says 'I Love You' Liked Heart-Shaped Grilled Pizza

On Valentine's Day, taking your partner out to a fancy restaurant might seem like the ultimate romantic gesture. After all, who wouldn't appreciate a candlelit dinner with a five-star menu? However, after the initial excitement fades, the effort of a personal touch often resonates more deeply. A homemade meal made with love can be the perfect way to express your affection.

This year, why not surprise your beloved with a heart-shaped grilled pizza made from scratch? It's a fun and creative way to celebrate the day. Not only does it show that you’ve put thought and effort into your gift, but it also allows you to customize the flavors to suit both of your tastes.

Preparing Your Homemade Heart-Shaped Grilled Pizza

To ensure your grilled pizza turns out perfectly, you'll need a high-quality grill like a PGS Grill. These grills are designed with advanced features such as Moon Rok briquettes and excellent heat stability, which contribute to achieving that perfect crust and evenly cooked toppings. As you'll soon see, there are several tricks to master when cooking on a grill.

Gathering Ingredients for the Pizza Dough

• 2 ½ cups of warm water
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar
• 3 teaspoons of salt
• 3 teaspoons of yeast
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil
• 6 cups of all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray or oil for greasing

In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently until dissolved and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Next, mix in the vegetable oil. In another bowl, whisk together the salt and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. The dough should be sticky but manageable. Grease a large bowl, transfer the dough into it, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for about an hour. Once risen, divide the dough into three equal portions, each weighing around 1 pound. Cover and refrigerate overnight so that the dough firms up slightly before shaping.

While the dough is chilling, you can start working on your homemade pizza sauce. It's worth the extra effort to create something truly special.

Ingredients for the Pizza Sauce

• 3 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 2 teaspoons of freshly chopped basil
• 1 teaspoon of freshly chopped oregano or ½ teaspoon dried
• 16 ounces of tomato sauce
• 4 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 6 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of brown sugar
• 2/3 cups of warm water
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat on your grill's side burner. Add the minced garlic, onion powder, basil, and oregano, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and brown sugar until fully incorporated. Gradually pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and warm water, ensuring everything is well combined. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency and flavor.

Grilled Pizza Toppings for Valentine's Day

While classic mozzarella is a staple for many, don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of cheeses to enhance the flavor profile. Some gourmet pizzerias even include up to 25% cheddar in their blends. For added flair, consider grilling some of your toppings while the sauce simmers. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Grilled onions
• Grilled mushrooms
• Grilled bell peppers
• Grilled pineapple
• Sautéed onions on the side burner
• Grilled chicken
• Grilled sausage
• Grilled bacon

Remember, the key to a great grilled pizza lies in its preparation and execution. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Grilled Pizza Tips

Even seasoned grill masters can run into hiccups when making grilled pizzas for the first time. The main challenge is achieving a perfectly crisp crust without burning the bottom or overcooking the toppings. Here are some tried-and-true methods to help you succeed:

• Use Indirect Heat: To prevent the crust from burning, try placing the pizza on the top shelf of your grill with a pan underneath to deflect direct heat. This technique helps cook the entire pizza evenly.
• Finish with Direct Heat: Once the crust has set, briefly move the pizza closer to the heat source to achieve that golden-brown crispiness. Be cautious not to overdo it.
• Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the urge to peek too frequently. Patience is key when cooking on a grill.

With your dough prepared and your toppings ready, it’s time to fire up the grill! Spread your dough onto a greased baking sheet, layer on the sauce, cheese, and your chosen toppings. Place the pizza on the grill over medium heat and cook for approximately 8 minutes. If your dough is thicker than usual, reduce the heat and extend the cooking time up to 12 minutes. Always check the pizza every 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. And remember, love goes a long way—Happy Valentine's Day!