Name: Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 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

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Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza is the perfect combination of crispy crust, creamy melted cheese, and aromatic garlic and fresh basil. This pizza recipe takes the classic Margherita to the next level with a hint of garlic flavor in the dough and the addition of Parmesan cheese for extra richness. From the fluffy, golden-brown crust to the melted mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves, every bite is a delicious treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this pizza is sure to satisfy everyone.

Making this pizza from scratch means you get to control every element of the flavor, from the perfect dough to the rich cheese combination and the zesty basil. While it may seem like a long process, the results are completely worth it—there’s something truly special about biting into a pizza that’s fresh out of the oven, with all the ingredients working together in harmony.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Homemade Dough Perfection

This pizza features a soft, airy dough with a touch of garlic flavor. Made from scratch, the dough is light and perfectly complements the cheesy toppings.

2. Flavorful Cheese Blend

The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan offers a rich, gooey texture with sharp, nutty undertones, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.

3. Fresh Basil and Garlic

The fresh basil leaves give the pizza a burst of herbal freshness, while the garlic adds depth and fragrance, creating a flavorful balance.

4. Customizable Toppings

Though this pizza is delicious as-is, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, from vegetables to meats, for a personalized flavor profile.

5. Easy to Make

While making pizza dough from scratch may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. With minimal hands-on time and basic ingredients, this recipe is great for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Ingredients

Warm Water
Active Dry Yeast
Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Olive Oil
Salt
Garlic Powder
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Fresh Basil Leaves
Garlic Cloves
Cornmeal (for dusting)

Variations

Toppings: Add pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a more personalized pizza.
Cheese Swap: Try swapping the mozzarella for provolone, cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses for varied flavors.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cheese to make a vegan version of this pizza.
Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of heat.
Gluten-Free Dough: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this pizza gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix everything together until a dough forms.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 5: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into your desired pizza shape, ensuring an even thickness.

Step 8: Prepare the Pizza Base

Sprinkle a baking sheet or pizza stone with cornmeal. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto the prepared surface.

Step 9: Add the Toppings

Brush the pizza dough with olive oil and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Add fresh basil leaves on top.

Step 10: Bake the Pizza

Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with more fresh basil leaves. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Perfect Dough: Make sure the water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast. A temperature of about 110°F is ideal.
Stretch, Don’t Roll: For a lighter, airier crust, try stretching the dough by hand instead of rolling it with a pin.
Resting Time: Let the dough rest for at least an hour to give the yeast time to work and develop the texture.
Fresh Basil: Add fresh basil leaves after baking to preserve their vibrant flavor and color.

How to Serve

Serve your Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza immediately after baking for the best taste. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or a glass of chilled white wine. For an extra treat, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top to complement the flavors of the basil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick snack.

Freezing

You can freeze the pizza either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap the pizza in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, simply cook from frozen at 475°F for 15-20 minutes. If freezing after baking, reheat in the oven for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices of pizza on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast without any issues. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients.

2. Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

While homemade dough yields the best results, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience.

3. How can I make my crust crispy?

For a crispy crust, make sure the oven is preheated and the pizza is baked on a hot pizza stone or baking sheet.

4. Can I add more toppings to this pizza?

Yes, feel free to add any toppings you love, such as olives, peppers, or meats like pepperoni or sausage.

5. How can I make the dough without a mixer?

You can make the dough by hand; simply knead it for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

6. Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to make the dough gluten-free.

7. Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before using.

8. What if I don’t have cornmeal?

Cornmeal helps prevent sticking and gives the crust texture. If you don’t have it, you can use flour or parchment paper.

9. How can I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

Make sure to preheat the oven and avoid overloading the pizza with toppings, which can release excess moisture.

10. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after it has risen. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using it.

Conclusion

Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and a crispy, airy crust. With its perfect balance of mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and basil, this pizza will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a weekend pizza night, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a slice of homemade pizza goodness!