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

For many couples, heading out to a fancy restaurant on Valentine's Day is the ultimate romantic gesture. And while there’s nothing wrong with treating your partner to a candlelit dinner, after a few years together, you might want to try something more intimate and personal. Instead of dining out, why not surprise your significant other with a homemade heart-shaped pizza cooked on the grill? Not only is it a fun activity to share, but it also shows that you put in the effort to create something truly special.

This Valentine’s Day, step away from the usual routine and embrace the charm of cooking together. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through creating a delicious, heart-shaped grilled pizza that’s sure to win your loved one’s heart—or stomach! Read on for tips, recipes, and tricks to make your grilled pizza a memorable experience.

Heart-Shaped Pizza on the Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Grilled pizza is an art form that requires attention to detail. With the right equipment, like a high-quality PGS Grill, you can achieve that perfect crust and flavorful toppings. The secret lies in the advanced technology of the PGS Grill line, which includes Moon Rok briquettes and superior heat stability. Now that we’ve got the tools sorted, let’s dive into making a stellar dough.

Gathering Ingredients for Pizza Dough

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

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. Then, stir in the vegetable oil. In another bowl, mix the salt and flour. Gradually add the flour mixture to the liquid, blending it one-half cup at a time. When the dough is sticky and smooth, it’s ready.

Grease a large bowl and transfer the dough into it. Cover it and let it rise at room temperature for about an hour. Afterward, knead the dough on a floured surface and divide it into three equal parts (each weighing approximately 1 pound). Wrap these portions in plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. On Valentine’s Day, roll them out into heart shapes and prepare to grill your masterpiece.

While the dough is chilling, why not enhance your Valentine’s Day experience even further by whipping up a homemade pizza sauce that beats anything store-bought?

Gathering Ingredients for Homemade Pizza Sauce

• 3 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons of onion powder
• 2 teaspoons of fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano, chopped (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 a side burner on your gas grill. Add the garlic, onion powder, basil, and oregano, and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and brown sugar until they dissolve. Gradually pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and warm water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavors will become.

Toppings for Your Grilled Pizza

While mozzarella is a classic choice, don’t shy away from experimenting with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Mixing different types can elevate the flavor and texture of your pizza. For an added touch, consider grilling some vegetables or meats while the sauce is simmering. Here are some ideas to get you started:

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

Grilling your toppings not only adds flavor but also gives your pizza a unique twist. Just remember, grilling pizza differs from baking it in an oven. Here are some essential tips to ensure success.

Expert Tips for Grilling Pizza

Even if you’re a seasoned grill enthusiast, grilling pizza for the first time can present its own set of challenges. Achieving a perfectly golden crust while ensuring the rest of the pizza cooks evenly is tricky, regardless of the heat source. These tips will help you create a mouthwatering heart-shaped pizza your loved one will adore.

• Use Indirect Heat: A common mistake when grilling pizza is burning the bottom or having it cook unevenly. To prevent this, use indirect heat. Place the pizza on a top shelf and slide a pan underneath to deflect the direct heat. This method ensures the entire pizza cooks uniformly.
• Crisp the Bottom: For an extra crispy crust, carefully remove the pizza from the pan and expose it to direct heat for a few seconds. Be cautious not to burn it though!
• Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the urge to peek inside the grill too often. Patience is key to achieving the perfect result.

Now that you have all the tools and knowledge, it’s time to start grilling your pizza. Spread your dough on a greased pan, add your sauce, toppings, and cheese. On medium heat, the pizza should take around 8 minutes. If your dough is thicker, opt for a lower temperature and keep it on the grill for up to 12 minutes. Always check it every 4 minutes to avoid overcooking. And most importantly, enjoy your Valentine’s Day together!