If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the irresistible flavors of garlic and cheese into one delicious crusty delight, you’re in for a treat with this Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe. This homemade pizza is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create a bubbly, golden masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re a pizza veteran or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to craft and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe begins with a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in flavor, texture, and that mouthwatering aroma. From the fresh garlic that infuses the oil to the rich mix of cheeses, every item is essential for creating pizza perfection.
- Classic pizza dough: A traditional wood-fired Italian style dough that offers the perfect chewy and crispy base.
- Fast no-yeast pizza dough: An excellent quick alternative if you want to skip the rising time without compromising on texture.
- Store-bought dough: For those days when convenience calls, this works beautifully too.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Acts as the rich, fruity base that carries the garlic flavor and keeps the pizza moist.
- Garlic (2 tsp): Crushed large cloves infused into the olive oil to fill your kitchen with that irresistible scent.
- Cooking salt (1/8 tsp): A pinch of salt to enhance the overall taste, balancing out the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey stretches of cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella perfectly.
How to Make Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Get your oven scorching hot by setting it to 250°C / 480°F (or 230°C if using a fan). The intense heat is key to achieving that delightfully crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese that defines this Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil with the crushed garlic cloves and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes. This infusion means the oil picks up the bold essence of garlic, which will then beautifully permeate the pizza base.
Step 3: Prepare Your Pizza Base
Choose your dough – whether classic, no-yeast, or store-bought – and roll or stretch it out onto your pizza pan or baking tray. Ensuring an even thickness will help your pizza cook uniformly without sogginess or dryness.
Step 4: Top the Pizza
Carefully spread the garlic-infused olive oil across the dough, leaving the outer crust area clear to keep it light and crisp. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the pizza, then add a generous layer of parmesan to bring in that extra savory punch, followed by shredded mozzarella for luscious cheesiness. For no-yeast dough, remember to brush the crust edges with olive oil to enhance browning.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Halfway through (around 4 minutes), turn the pizza to ensure even cooking. Watch for bubbling cheese spotted with golden browns – that’s your cue it’s ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
While the Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a touch of fresh color and a burst of herbaceous aroma. For those who love a hint of heat, a light drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes brings a lovely kick.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad – think peppery arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette – to balance the richness. A bowl of tomato soup also complements the roasted garlic and cheesy flavors, making for a cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza straight from the oven on a rustic wooden board for that authentic pizzeria vibe. Cut it into small squares for parties or quarter slices if eating with family. Adding a small ramekin of garlic butter or herb-infused olive oil for dipping can elevate the experience further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, preserving most of the cheese’s gooey goodness and the pizza’s flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save your pizza for longer, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza slices can last up to 2 months, making this a fantastic option for busy days or quick meals.
Reheating
To bring your pizza back to life, reheat slices in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to crisp the base without drying the toppings. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 190°C / 375°F for about 8 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe?
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the best texture, shred your mozzarella and parmesan fresh using a box grater.
Is it necessary to crush the garlic before infusing the oil?
Yes, crushing or mincing the garlic releases its essential oils more effectively, allowing the olive oil to absorb maximum flavor and distribute it evenly across the pizza.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Absolutely! While the Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe is divine on its own, feel free to add mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, olives, or even cooked chicken to customize it to your taste.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone or pan?
You can use a baking sheet or even an inverted oven tray to bake your pizza. Preheat it beforehand to mimic the effect of a pizza stone and help achieve a crispy crust.
How do I know when my pizza dough is rolled out enough?
The dough should be about 3 to 5 mm thick – thin enough to cook quickly but thick enough to hold toppings without tearing. You want flexibility to work with but durability under the cheese and oil.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and a little love can transform into irresistible comfort food. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a try and watch it become one of your go-to recipes in no time!
Print
Garlic Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza, 30cm (12 inches) diameter
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Cheese Pizza recipe combines a crispy, flavorful crust with a rich blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, enhanced by fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. Perfect for a quick homemade pizza, it uses either classic wood-fired style, no-yeast, or store-bought dough, making it versatile and easy to prepare. Bake at a high temperature for a beautifully golden and bubbly cheese topping that satisfies any pizza lover’s cravings.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough Options
- 1 classic pizza dough (wood-fired Italian style)
- 1 fast no-yeast pizza dough (excellent option for quick preparation)
- 1 store-bought pizza dough
Garlic Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic (2–3 large cloves, crushed or made into a paste)
- 1/8 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (or table salt, or double quantity if using salt flakes)
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (tightly packed, shredded using a box grater)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (tightly packed, shredded using a box grater)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C / 480°F (230°C fan). Ensure the oven is fully heated to achieve a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
- Prepare Garlic Oil: In a small bowl, mix the extra virgin olive oil with the crushed garlic. Let it infuse for 10 minutes so the oil absorbs the garlic flavor deeply.
- Prepare Pizza Base: Choose your preferred dough—classic, no-yeast, or store-bought—and roll it out or stretch onto a pizza pan evenly.
- Add Toppings: Spread the garlic-infused olive oil and garlic evenly over the pizza base, leaving the crust area uncoated to prevent burning. Sprinkle the salt evenly over the base, followed by the parmesan cheese, and then the shredded mozzarella. If using the no-yeast dough, brush or spray olive oil on the exposed crust for better coloring.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 8 minutes total. Turn the pizza after 4 minutes to ensure even browning. Bake until the cheese develops golden spots and is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, slice, and enjoy the hot, cheesy garlic pizza immediately.
Notes
- Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded prevents clumping and helps the cheese melt better.
- Crushing or making a paste of garlic releases more flavor compared to chopping.
- Brushing crust with olive oil especially on no-yeast dough helps create a golden, crisp edge.
- High oven temperature is key to achieving a proper crispy crust and bubbly top.
