There’s something magical about cooking together on Valentine’s Day — the laughter, the smell of melting cheese, the moment you both reach for the same spoon. These Pizza Roses for Valentine’s Day are the perfect way to say “I love you” — not with words, but with warm, golden dough and gooey mozzarella that melts right into your heart.
They’re fun to make, ridiculously cute, and taste just like your favorite pepperoni pizza — only fancier and bite-sized. Whether you’re planning a candlelit dinner or a movie night for two, these edible roses are guaranteed to charm your Valentine.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (use your favorite or homemade)
- 6 slices of mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices of pepperoni
- Olive oil spray or butter (for greasing)
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil spray or butter.
Step 2 – Cut the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it horizontally into 6 long strips.
Step 3 – Add Sauce
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each strip — not too much, or it’ll get messy. (A spoon works perfectly here!)
Step 4 – Layer Cheese and Pepperoni
Lay mozzarella slices along the strip, followed by pepperoni slices so that half of each one hangs over the edge — this forms the rose “petals.”
Step 5 – Roll the Roses
Gently roll up each strip to form a rose shape and place it in a muffin cup.
Step 6 – Bake
Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the dough turns golden and the cheese bubbles beautifully.
Step 7 – Cool and Garnish
Let them cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. Garnish with fresh basil if you like.
Serving Ideas
Serve these Pizza Roses warm with a side of creamy garlic dipping sauce or a light Caprese salad. Add a glass of red wine, a cozy playlist, and you’ve got a Valentine’s dinner that feels straight out of a rom-com.
Tips & Notes
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the pepperoni for roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle dried oregano or chili flakes before baking.
- Use muffin liners for easier cleanup and a cleaner rose shape.
FAQs About Pizza Roses for Valentine
Can I make these pizza roses ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them in the morning and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when your Valentine arrives.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Absolutely. Puff pastry will give you a flakier, lighter texture — perfect for a more delicate, pastry-style rose.
What dipping sauces go best with these?
Try garlic butter, basil pesto, or spicy marinara for a little extra heat.
Love This Recipe?
Pair these pizza roses with our chocolate strawberry parfait for a dreamy Valentine’s dessert combo. Your special someone won’t stop smiling!
Follow us on Pinterest for more romantic dinner ideas, or join the fun on Facebook to share your pizza rose creations!
Romantic Pizza Roses
Equipment
- Muffin tin To hold and bake the rose shapes.
- Rolling Pin To flatten the pizza dough evenly.
- Pizza Cutter For slicing dough strips.
- Pastry brush Optional — for brushing olive oil.
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 24 slices pepperoni
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for greasing
- fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with olive oil or butter.
- Unroll pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 long horizontal strips using a pizza cutter.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each strip. Avoid too much sauce to prevent sogginess.
- Lay mozzarella slices on each strip. Add pepperoni slices so that half hangs off the top edge of the dough strip — this forms the rose petals.
- Gently roll up each strip to form a rose shape. Secure with a toothpick if needed and place each in a muffin tin cup.
- Bake for 15–17 minutes until golden and the cheese is bubbling. Cool slightly before removing from the tin.