Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

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Golden, crispy edges. Bubbling, gooey cheese. Fresh basil peeking through melted mozzarella, and the unmistakable aroma of roasted garlic dancing through the air. That’s what awaits you with this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza. It’s simple, yet bursting with comforting flavors. A true celebration of the classic trio: cheese, basil, and garlic—all layered atop a perfectly baked crust.

This pizza is your go-to when you want something incredibly satisfying but don’t feel like going overboard with toppings. It’s elegant enough to serve to guests and comforting enough to make on a lazy evening. Whether baked in a wood-fired oven or your trusty kitchen oven, the result is always the same: a crowd-pleasing flatbread-style pizza that disappears quickly.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

• It uses minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor.
• Perfect for both beginner and seasoned home cooks.
• Great as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.
• Pairs well with wine, salads, or even soup.
• Ready in under 30 minutes if you have pre-made dough.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

• Rolling Pin: For stretching the dough evenly.
• Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: A pizza stone yields a crisper crust, but a heavy-duty baking sheet works too.
• Oven (Preheated Hot): A hot oven ensures the crust cooks quickly and the cheese bubbles without over-drying.
• Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife: For clean, easy slicing.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing garlic oil if you’re making it fresh.
• Pastry Brush (Optional): Helps spread garlic oil over the dough evenly.

Each tool plays a specific role in helping you get that perfect crisp bottom, gooey top, and evenly cooked texture throughout the pizza.

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Preparation Tips

Let your dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping—it makes stretching easier. Use fresh garlic and fresh basil for the best flavor pop. If using store-bought dough, check the instructions for baking temperature—it’s usually different from homemade dough. Preheat your oven and baking surface thoroughly; a hot base is key to getting that golden, slightly charred crust. Don’t overload with cheese—just enough to create those golden bubbles you see in pizzeria-style pies.

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Ingredients for this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

• 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought, about 10–12 inches)
• 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk recommended)
• 3 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil (or 2 cloves fresh garlic finely minced + 3 tbsp olive oil)
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves, torn or left whole
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Pinch of sea salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Cornmeal or flour (for dusting the baking surface)

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Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to get it smoking hot. This will help you achieve a crispy crust. If you’re using a baking sheet, place it upside down in the oven to preheat as well—it mimics the effect of a stone.

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Step 2: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your working surface and hands. Take your rested pizza dough and gently stretch it out to about a 10–12 inch circle. Try to keep the edges slightly thicker to form a crust. If the dough springs back, let it rest a few more minutes and try again.

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Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Oil

In a small bowl, combine olive oil with finely minced garlic. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to infuse. For a smoother flavor, use garlic that’s been sautéed lightly in oil until golden and fragrant.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Dust a pizza peel or flat surface with cornmeal or flour. Lay out the dough. Brush generously with the garlic oil, making sure it covers the whole surface, especially the outer crust. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the base. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella on top, then add the basil leaves and a light sprinkle of black pepper. You can also add grated Parmesan at this stage for an extra savory boost.

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Step 5: Bake the Pizza

Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 9–12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned in spots. Rotate halfway through for even cooking.

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Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into wedges. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

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Notes

This pizza is incredibly flexible—perfect as a standalone dish or alongside a fresh salad or soup. If you love a bit of heat, you can drizzle some chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving. Don’t shy away from using high-quality cheese; mozzarella di bufala or a blend with provolone can elevate the flavor. For the crust, if you prefer it extra crispy, bake it directly on the oven rack for the last 2 minutes.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Not preheating the oven or baking surface: This leads to a soggy crust.
• Using too much cheese: It may cause the center to become greasy and undercooked.
• Overloading with toppings: Even basil should be minimal to avoid overpowering the cheese-garlic balance.
• Not resting the dough: Cold dough is hard to stretch and often tears.
• Cutting the pizza immediately: Let it rest a few minutes for cleaner slices and better flavor set.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, skip the microwave. Instead, use a hot skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to bring back the crispiness. You can also freeze the cooked pizza slices for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-made pizza crust?

Yes, it works perfectly. Just reduce bake time slightly since pre-made crusts often cook faster.

Can I add other cheeses?

Absolutely! A blend of mozzarella and provolone or a sprinkle of feta can add more complexity.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

Use dried basil in a pinch, but add it before baking so it softens in the heat.

Is this pizza vegetarian?

Yes, it contains no meat. Just ensure your cheese is made with vegetarian rennet.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free dough, but adjust baking time and temperature as some gluten-free flours behave differently.

Why is my crust not crispy?

Check if your oven and baking surface were fully preheated. Also avoid using too much sauce or cheese.

How do I avoid burning the garlic?

Use infused garlic oil instead of raw garlic, or sauté it slightly before applying to the dough.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the dough and garlic oil ahead. Assemble just before baking to avoid sogginess.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza is a shining example of how simple ingredients can deliver restaurant-quality flavor at home. Whether it’s your first time making pizza or you’re a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation. The balance of garlicky richness, gooey cheese, and fresh basil is hard to beat. Serve it hot, fresh, and with good company.

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