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Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day
Flona

Pizza Roses for Valentine's Day

These adorable Pizza Roses for Valentine's Day combine pepperoni, mozzarella, and marinara rolled into rose-shaped bites. Ready in just 25 minutes, they're perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or party appetizers with impressive presentation and minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 pizza roses
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
  • ½ cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce
  • 6-8 slices mozzarella cheese or 1 cup shredded
  • 12-18 slices pepperoni large slices preferred
  • cooking spray for muffin tin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional, for brushing
  • fresh basil optional, for garnish
  • grated Parmesan optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Standard 12-cup muffin tin
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Pizza cutter or sharp knife
  • Pastry brush
  • Spoon for spreading sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray, ensuring bottom of each cup is well coated.
  2. Prepare dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface. Unroll pizza dough into one large rectangle. If dough has perforated seams, pinch them together firmly to seal.
  3. Cut strips: Using pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut dough lengthwise into 6 equal strips, each about 1½-2 inches wide and 12 inches long.
  4. Add sauce: Spread thin layer of marinara sauce across each dough strip using back of spoon. Leave ½-inch border along bottom edge.
  5. Layer cheese: Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly over sauce on each strip. Use torn pieces if using sliced cheese.
  6. Arrange pepperoni: Place pepperoni slices along top half of each strip, overlapping slightly. Position so half of each slice hangs over top edge to create petals.
  7. Roll roses: Starting from one short end, carefully roll each dough strip into tight spiral, keeping pepperoni-topped edge facing upward. Tuck end piece underneath to secure.
  8. Fill muffin tin: Place each rolled pizza rose into prepared muffin cup with pepperoni petals facing up. Gently press bottom to flatten slightly.
  9. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until dough is golden brown and cheese bubbles. Check at 12-minute mark as ovens vary.
  10. Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let cool in tin for 5 minutes. Use butter knife to gently loosen edges. Transfer to serving platter. Brush with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Dough handling: If dough springs back while cutting, let rest 5 minutes before continuing.
  • Sauce amount: Use sauce sparingly to prevent soggy centers. Thin layer is better than thick.
  • Rolling tip: Roll tightly and firmly to prevent unraveling during baking.
  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add 3-5 minutes to baking time.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
  • Variations: Try pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, Alfredo with chicken, or vegetables for different flavors.