If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen, this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheeses, fragrant fresh basil, and savory garlic all baked on a crispy yet tender homemade dough. This recipe is bursting with flavor and so satisfying, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy night in or impressing friends at your next pizza party. Once you try this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to for any pizza craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe is how straightforward yet purposeful the ingredients are. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating the perfect dough texture, or adding a punch of freshness and richness to the final pizza.
- 1 and 1/3 cups warm water (about 110°F): Perfect temperature to activate the yeast for that lovely dough rise.
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: The secret agent that makes your dough airy and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: Not just for sweetness, it helps wake up the yeast into action.
- 3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives structure and chew.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps crisp the crust beautifully.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the cheese and garlic notes.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dough itself with gentle garlic warmth.
- 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a gooey, irresistible texture you’ll love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty dimension to the cheese blend.
- Fresh basil leaves: Freshness and lovely aroma that brighten every bite.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Earthy and pungent, for that unmistakable garlic punch.
- Cornmeal: To sprinkle on your baking pan, preventing sticking and adding a crispy base.
How to Make Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Begin by mixing warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until it froths up, signaling that your yeast is lively and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mix
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, and salt. This combination ensures the dough is flavorful right from the start, even before the toppings go on.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Make a well in the dry mix, then pour in your yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir to combine into a rough dough. This sticky mixture is the foundation of your pizza’s tender crust.
Step 4: Knead with Love
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes. When it becomes smooth and elastic, you’ve done it right — perfectly primed for an airy rise.
Step 5: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for about one hour until it doubles in size. This step is where the magic happens, giving you that light and tender base.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C), and sprinkle your baking sheet or pizza stone with cornmeal. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle, crispy texture to the crust.
Step 7: Shape the Pizza
Once risen, punch down the dough gently and roll it out to about 12-14 inches in diameter. Transfer your perfectly shaped base onto the prepared pan, ready to hold all those incredible toppings.
Step 8: Assemble Your Pizza
Minced garlic gets sprinkled evenly over the dough first, infusing the pizza with aromatic flavor. Layer half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses next, followed by torn fresh basil leaves for bursts of color and zest, then finish with the remaining cheese.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pizza into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for a golden crust and bubbling, slightly browned cheese—this pizza’s calling your name!
Step 10: Final Touches
After removing from the oven, give your pizza a moment to cool. Then garnish with more fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a light drizzle of olive oil to add extra richness before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding more fresh basil leaves right before serving keeps the pizza bright and fragrant. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the richness and make each bite even more decadent.
Side Dishes
Pairing this pizza with a crisp salad of mixed greens or a tangy tomato salad balances the cheesy richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables or a light soup also make excellent complements that keep the meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, cut the pizza into bite-sized squares for a party snack platter, or serve slices atop arugula for a gourmet twist. You could even create mini versions of this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe as appetizers for your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza will stay delicious for up to three days, and when you reheat, the flavors meld even more.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep great for up to one month and can be reheated straight from frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes for a crisp crust and melted cheese. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the dough?
Fresh garlic is fantastic on top of the pizza, but using garlic powder in the dough ensures a gentle, even garlic flavor without overpowering the crust. For best results, stick to the recipe’s garlic powder in the dough and use fresh garlic as a topping.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Roll the dough to about 12-14 inches in diameter with a thickness you prefer. Thinner dough gives a crispier crust, while a slightly thicker base results in a chewier, more pillowy bite. Either way, this recipe adapts wonderfully.
Can I substitute other cheeses for Parmesan?
Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that balances the mozzarella’s creaminess perfectly. However, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives if you want to experiment with different tastes.
How do I make the crust extra crispy?
Sprinkling cornmeal on the baking surface is a clever trick to create crispiness. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 475°F (245°C) for a nicely browned and crunchy crust.
Is it possible to prepare the dough the night before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, let it rise once, then refrigerate it overnight covered tightly. Bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking for excellent flavor development.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe is a genuine pleasure to make and eat. It’s filled with balanced flavors, textures, and aromas that satisfy all your pizza cravings. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky, basil-filled bite as much as I do!
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Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-14 inch pizza
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza features a perfectly airy homemade dough infused with subtle garlic flavor, topped generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh basil, and minced garlic. Baked to golden perfection, this delightful pizza offers a delicious combination of crispy crust and gooey cheese with aromatic herbal undertones, making it an ideal comfort meal or a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (at about 110°F) – Activates the yeast for a perfect dough rise
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast – Essential for making the dough airy and light
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Helps to activate the yeast and kickstart fermentation
- 3 and 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour – Forms the backbone of the pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil – Adds richness to the dough and helps with crisping the crust
- 3/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the dough and balances the toppings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the dough with a subtle garlic flavor
Topping Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese – Provides gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the cheese blend
- Fresh basil leaves – Freshens up the pizza and adds an aromatic lift
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Brings a pungent, earthy depth to the pizza
- Cornmeal – To sprinkle on the baking pan to prevent sticking and create a crispy texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, signaling that the yeast is activated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, and salt to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Form the Dough: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix everything until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which is crucial for a good texture.
- Let Dough Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and leave it to rise in a warm spot for approximately 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Approximately 15 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy crust.
- Prepare Baking Surface: Sprinkle cornmeal liberally over a baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking and to add texture to the crust.
- Shape Dough: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles, transfer it to a floured surface, and roll it out into a 12-14 inch diameter circle or preferred shape.
- Place Dough on Baking Surface: Transfer the rolled-out dough carefully onto the cornmeal-coated baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Add Garlic: Evenly scatter the minced garlic cloves across the surface of the dough for aromatic flavor distribution.
- Add Cheese Base: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the dough, creating a flavorful cheese layer.
- Add Fresh Basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese layer to add an herbal aroma and freshness.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pizza to finish the cheesy topping.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
- Cool: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes, letting the cheese set slightly and making it easier to slice.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color, and optionally drizzle a little olive oil over the top before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using warm water at about 110°F is crucial to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
- Kneading the dough well develops gluten, giving the crust good structure and chewiness.
- Letting the dough rise until doubled in size ensures a light and airy crust.
- Preheating the oven and baking on a pizza stone or a well-prepared baking sheet improves crust crispiness.
- Fresh basil is best added before baking for aroma and after baking for freshness and visual appeal.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven’s performance and thickness of the dough.
- Cornmeal prevents sticking and gives the bottom crust a nice texture.
