I love simple recipes that feel a little fancy. These pizza roses do exactly that. They look special. They come together fast. I sometimes pair them with a cozy sandwich like a classic tuna melt sandwich when I want a full, comforting spread.
why make this recipe
This is a fun treat for Valentine’s Day or any night you want pizza with a twist. Kids love the rose shape. You only need a few pantry staples. It bakes up golden and cheesy. You get beautiful bites with very little effort.
how to make Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day: A Fun and Delicious Way to Celebrate Love
Ingredients:
- 1 can pizza dough — Store-bought saves time and keeps things easy.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce — Use your favorite jarred sauce, or swap in pesto or Alfredo.
- 6–8 slices mozzarella — Tear or slice to fit the dough strips.
- 12–18 pepperoni slices — Or swap for veggies, sausage, or cooked chicken.
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Get it hot so the roses bake evenly.
- Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This helps the roses release.
- Open the pizza dough and unroll it on a clean surface. Cut the dough into six long strips, about 1–2 inches wide.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara on each strip. Leave a small border so sauce doesn’t leak.
- Lay mozzarella along the strip. Then place pepperoni so half hangs off the edge. That overhang makes the petals.
- Roll each strip tightly into a rose. Tuck the ends under so it stays together.
- Place each rose into a muffin cup. They should sit snug but not squished.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until the dough turns golden and the cheese bubbles.
- Let cool a few minutes before removing. Garnish with basil or a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
If you love simple handheld bites, try them alongside something crunchy. I often make a batch with guilt-free crunchwraps for a party plate.
how to serve Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day: A Fun and Delicious Way to Celebrate Love
Serve warm right from the muffin tin. They pair well with a simple salad or a bowl of soup. I like to set out extra marinara for dipping. For a cozy meal, serve with a creamy soup like bacon cheddar gnocchi soup.
how to store Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day: A Fun and Delicious Way to Celebrate Love
Cool the roses completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to keep the edges crisp. You can freeze baked roses on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
tips to make Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day: A Fun and Delicious Way to Celebrate Love
- Keep strips even. That gives you pretty, consistent roses.
- Don’t overload with sauce. Too much makes the dough soggy.
- Use thin-sliced cheese for easier rolling.
- Try different toppings. Spinach and feta make a great veggie version.
- For a savory twist, serve with a hearty pasta or rigatoni dish like cheesy rigatoni with steak tips for a special dinner.
variation (if any)
Make vegetarian roses by swapping pepperoni for thin-sliced bell pepper, mushrooms, or spinach. Switch mozzarella for provolone or smoked gouda for a different flavor. Use pesto or Alfredo instead of marinara for a unique twist. You can also make mini dessert roses by using sweet dough, thin apple slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough?
A: Yes. Homemade dough works great. Roll it to about the same thickness as store-bought for best results.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Let them sit at room temperature 15 minutes before baking so they bake evenly.
Q: My roses spread in the oven. How do I prevent that?
A: Tuck the ends tightly under the roses and avoid overfilling the strips. A snug fit in the muffin tin helps them keep shape.
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Easy Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and delicious pizza roses that look special and come together quickly, perfect for a cozy meal or a festive occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 can pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 6–8 slices mozzarella
- 12–18 pepperoni slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.
- Open the pizza dough and unroll it on a clean surface. Cut the dough into six long strips, about 1–2 inches wide.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara on each strip, leaving a small border.
- Lay mozzarella along the strip and place pepperoni so half hangs off the edge.
- Roll each strip tightly into a rose and tuck the ends under.
- Place each rose into a muffin cup, snug but not squished.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before removing and garnish if desired.
Notes
Serve warm with extra marinara for dipping. Keep strips even for consistent roses and avoid overloading with sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pizza roses, easy pizza, Valentine's Day recipe, fun appetizers, pizza party
