Laura Mariano
Garlic Cheese Pizza is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of garlic with the deliciousness of melted cheese on a crispy pizza crust. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer. Here’s a recipe to make a homemade garlic cheese pizza:
Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt, to taste
For the Pizza Toppings:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (or a mix of mozzarella and provolone)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms. Then, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well, but a regular baking sheet works fine too.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the oregano (or Italian seasoning), red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Shape the Pizza Dough:
- Punch down the dough after it has risen and divide it into two equal portions for two medium pizzas or keep it as one large pizza.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into your desired shape (round or rectangular) to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Place the rolled dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or dusted with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
5. Assemble the Garlic Cheese Pizza:
- Brush the prepared garlic butter sauce evenly over the top of the pizza dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the pizza. If you’re using parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top as well for extra flavor.
6. Bake the Pizza:
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If using a pizza stone, transfer the pizza onto the stone and bake for the same amount of time.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, if desired, for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Slice and serve immediately!
Tips:
- Thin crust vs. thick crust: If you prefer a thinner crust, roll the dough out thinner. For a thicker crust, let the dough rise a bit longer before rolling it out.
- Add toppings: While this recipe focuses on the garlic cheese pizza, feel free to add other toppings like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Make-ahead dough: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just allow it to come to room temperature before using.
This Garlic Cheese Pizza is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for garlic lovers and anyone who enjoys a cheesy, savory pizza. The garlic butter sauce takes this pizza to the next level! Enjoy!
