Nothing beats the simple joy of a homemade pizza packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, and this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe is an absolute favorite to share. Imagine a golden, crispy crust topped with bubbling fresh mozzarella, fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, and bright basil leaves that bring every bite to life. It’s comfort food elevated with a fresh, herby twist that’s perfect whenever you crave something cheesy, aromatic, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a pizza novice or a seasoned dough-puller, this recipe is straightforward and delivers big smiles at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient for this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe plays a crucial role, from the crispy texture of the dough to the luscious melt of the mozzarella and the herbaceous pop of basil. These simple pantry and fresh ingredients come together to create a pizza that tastes way beyond the effort involved.
- 12-inch pizza dough: This is your crispy, chewy base — fresh or store-bought works beautifully after a little rest.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella: Brings that creamy, melty cheese experience everyone loves on pizza.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and slightly spicy kick that infuses the olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Acts as a flavorful brush that crisps the crust and carries the garlic aroma.
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves: For a fresh, peppery finish that brightens every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a traditional herbaceous depth that blends well with the cheese and garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Just enough to awaken your taste buds without overpowering.
How to Make Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C), which helps develop that perfect golden crust. If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes — this makes it easier to stretch and ensures a light, airy texture.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Gently roll or stretch your dough out into a 12-inch round. Transfer it carefully to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a preheated pizza stone if you have one to get that authentic crispness on the bottom.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Oil
In a small pan, gently heat the olive oil over low heat and add the minced garlic. Let it warm for 1 to 2 minutes just until the garlic becomes fragrant — keep an eye to avoid browning the garlic, which can make it bitter. This garlic-infused oil will become the base flavor carrier of the pizza.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Brush the entire surface of the dough with the garlic olive oil mixture, making sure you get the edges too for extra flavor. Then, evenly spread torn or sliced fresh mozzarella over the dough. Sprinkle the dried oregano and freshly cracked black pepper on top to layer the flavors beautifully before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for 10 to 13 minutes. Watch for the crust to turn golden and crisp, and the mozzarella to bubble with inviting brown spots. This quick bake time means you get a perfectly cooked pizza without fuss or delay.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
As soon as you take your Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. The residual heat will gently release the basil’s aroma, adding a fresh, peppery kick that complements the garlic and cheese perfectly. Serve immediately while everything is warm and delicious.
How to Serve Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the fresh basil, feel free to drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. A few red pepper flakes can add a gentle heat for those who like a bit of spice. These small touches elevate the pizza from everyday to extraordinary.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, cutting through the richness of the cheese. For heartier options, roasted vegetables or a light soup make a comforting, balanced meal alongside the vibrant pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your pizza into rustic wedges and serve on a wooden board to create a cozy, inviting vibe. For a fun twist, add a small bowl of marinara or a white garlic dip on the side for dipping, which brings an extra dimension to your Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap them tightly or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe will keep well for 2 to 3 days and still taste delightful with a quick reheat.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pizza cool completely, then wrap slices in plastic wrap followed by foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen pizza slices are perfect for quick meals and keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to bring back the crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if you can — it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular grated mozzarella instead of fresh?
While fresh mozzarella gives that creamy, melty texture and freshness, you can use shredded mozzarella if fresh is unavailable. Just expect a slightly different texture but still delicious results.
Is it necessary to brush the dough with garlic oil?
The garlic oil infuses the crust with wonderful flavor and helps create a beautifully golden surface, so it’s highly recommended. Skipping it will still yield good pizza but without that extra aromatic dimension.
Can I add other toppings to this pizza?
Absolutely! This recipe provides a great foundation for creativity. Consider adding sliced tomatoes, olives, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor layers.
What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! Use a parchment-lined baking sheet instead. It won’t get quite as crispy as a stone but will still bake beautifully in a hot oven.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Preheating your oven to a high temperature and baking directly on a stone or metal surface helps create a crispy crust. Also, don’t overload with heavy toppings or too much oil.
Final Thoughts
Making this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe at home is such a delightful experience that brings the warmth of fresh ingredients and melted cheese right to your table with minimal fuss. It’s a perfect meal to share, savor, and celebrate quick homemade goodness. Give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky, basil-filled bite!
Print
Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza is a quick and flavorful homemade pizza featuring a crispy 12-inch crust topped with melted fresh mozzarella, fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, aromatic oregano, cracked black pepper, and fresh basil leaves added post-baking for a fresh herbal finish. Perfect for a single serving, it combines simple ingredients and a high-heat oven bake for a classic Italian-inspired pizza experience.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 12-inch pizza dough
Toppings
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using store-bought dough, allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to make it easier to stretch.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch round shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a preheated pizza stone for even baking.
- Make Garlic Oil: In a small pan, gently heat the olive oil with the minced garlic over low heat for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat once fragrant.
- Brush Dough with Garlic Oil: Brush the prepared garlic-infused olive oil evenly over the entire surface of the dough, including the edges, to infuse flavor and help the crust crisp.
- Add Cheese: Evenly distribute the torn or sliced fresh mozzarella over the dough, ensuring good coverage for melting.
- Season: Sprinkle the dried oregano and freshly cracked black pepper over the cheese to add depth and spice.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 10–13 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the mozzarella is bubbling with some browned spots, indicating perfect melt and caramelization.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top it with fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic finish. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Resting the pizza dough before stretching improves pliability and texture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy, melty cheese topping.
- Brush the edges with garlic oil to encourage a flavorful crispy crust.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking to preserve its bright flavor and color.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a parchment-lined baking sheet works well.
- Watch the pizza closely in the last minutes to avoid burning the cheese or crust.
