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
Scale
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.
