If you have a craving for homemade pizza that hits all the right notes of melty cheese, fragrant basil, and garlicky goodness, then you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of a soft, yet crisp crust topped with gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and just the right punch of garlic to make every bite feel like a warm hug. Making this pizza from scratch brings an incredible sense of satisfaction and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds, and maybe even thirds, because this recipe truly embodies pizza perfection for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe plays a vital role, from building that perfect dough to adding the layers of flavor that make your taste buds dance. The simplicity of these staples is what makes this pizza so accessible and incredibly satisfying, mixing traditional baking essentials with fresh, vibrant toppings.
- 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water: Activates the yeast to ensure your dough rises to fluffy perfection.
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast: Essential for giving the dough that airy, light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar: A small pinch that kickstarts the yeast, helping it bubble up beautifully.
- 3 and 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that shapes your dough and crust.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil: Adds richness and helps the crust crisp up in the oven.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in both dough and toppings.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dough with a subtle garlic undertone for extra depth.
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that irresistible, gooey stretch with every slice.
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast to the mozzarella’s creamy texture.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bring brightness and a burst of herbaceous aroma to balance the richness.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides earthy, pungent flavor, scattered fresh across the pizza base.
- Cornmeal: Sprinkled on your baking surface to prevent sticking while adding a subtle crunch.
How to Make Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by activating your yeast: combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let this sit until it becomes foamy and alive, about 5 to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, and salt in a larger bowl. Pour the bubbly yeast mixture and olive oil into the center, then stir to bring everything together into a rough dough.
Step 2: Knead and Rise
Generously flour your work surface and knead the dough for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to feel smooth and elastic, soft yet springy to the touch. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with a damp towel. Set it somewhere warm to rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size—the magic moment when the dough is ready for shaping.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). Scatter cornmeal onto a baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking and encourage a crisp bottom crust that adds fantastic texture to every bite.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once your dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down and transfer it back to a floured surface. Roll or stretch it out to a circle about 12 to 14 inches in diameter—don’t worry about perfect symmetry, homemade charm reigns here. Transfer your shaped dough carefully to the baking surface dusted with cornmeal.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Evenly scatter the minced garlic cloves over the stretched dough for that punch of earthy garlic flavor in every bite. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, then tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top to add bursts of color and fresh aroma. Follow by sprinkling the remainder of the cheeses to create that luscious cheesy blanket that will melt and bubble in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pizza into the oven and bake it for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for a beautifully golden crust with bubbling, slightly browned cheese that signals it’s time to take it out. The aromas filling your kitchen will be irresistible—get ready to savor the magic.
Step 7: Garnish and Cool
Remove your pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes so the cheese can set just slightly. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and, if you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle a little olive oil on top for a glossy finish and extra richness before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish, bringing a bright pop of green and herbal freshness. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a welcoming extra layer of flavor, perfect for guests who like a touch of heat or richness with their slice.
Side Dishes
Pair this pizza with a simple mixed green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh and balanced. Garlic breadsticks or a bowl of roasted vegetables complement the flavors nicely and round out the meal, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied but not overly full.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pizza on a wooden pizza peel or rustic cutting board for that authentic pizzeria vibe. You can also make mini versions for a party spread or even serve alongside a flight of Italian wines that highlight the herbal and cheesy notes of the pizza for an easy, elegant dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pizza keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. Just be sure to add fresh basil after reheating to keep that fresh flavor alive.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover pizza slices individually wrapped in parchment paper and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month for best quality, making it a quick go-to meal with flash reheating.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat covered with a lid for a few minutes to crisp the crust while melting the cheese without drying it out. Alternatively, use the oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes for a more evenly warmed slice with a bubbly cheese finish.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the dough?
Fresh garlic in the dough can be quite strong and sometimes burns during baking, so garlic powder is preferred for an even, gentle garlic flavor. You can always add minced fresh garlic on top for that vibrant punch.
What if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
All-purpose flour provides a perfect balance of protein to make your dough tender yet elastic. You can experiment with bread flour for more chewiness, but avoid cake or pastry flour as it may make the dough too soft.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should roughly double in size and feel puffy to the touch. A simple test is to gently press your finger into the dough — if the indentation stays and doesn’t bounce back immediately, it’s ready.
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
Absolutely! A baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal works just fine and still gives you a crispy crust. Just preheat your baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes before adding the dough for the best results.
Is there a substitute for fresh basil?
While fresh basil delivers the signature flavor of this pizza, you can use dried basil sparingly or fresh spinach for a different, but still tasty, herbaceous note if basil is not available.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about making pizza at home, especially one as flavorful and comforting as this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe. From the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and fresh basil to the irresistible gooey cheese and perfect crispy crust, it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, savor, and share. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a pizza experience that feels like a warm embrace every single time.
Print
Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large pizza (12-14 inches)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza recipe features a homemade, airy pizza dough topped with a flavorful blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, fresh basil leaves, and minced garlic. Perfectly baked to a golden crust with gooey cheese, this pizza combines aromatic herbs and rich cheese for a delightful homemade pizza experience.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 and 1/3 cups (320ml) warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 and 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 3 and 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping
- 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10-15 leaves)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Other
- Cornmeal for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until foamy to activate the yeast.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, and salt to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry mix, pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir to form a rough dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, indicating proper gluten development.
- Allow Dough to Rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Baking Surface: Sprinkle cornmeal on a baking sheet or pizza stone to prevent sticking and create a crispy crust.
- Shape the Dough: Punch down the risen dough, roll out on a floured surface into a 12-14 inch diameter circle, then transfer it to the prepared baking surface.
- Add Garlic: Evenly scatter minced garlic cloves over the rolled-out dough for aromatic depth.
- Add Cheese and Basil – First Layer: Distribute half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough, then scatter torn fresh basil leaves on top.
- Add Cheese – Second Layer: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly, ensuring good cheese coverage.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Cool the Pizza: Remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set the toppings.
- Garnish and Serve: Add extra fresh basil leaves on top and optionally drizzle a bit of olive oil before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure water is warm (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Kneading the dough sufficiently develops gluten, giving the crust its chewy texture.
- Using cornmeal on the baking surface prevents sticking and adds a delightful crunch to the crust bottom.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with bread flour for a chewier crust.
- Adjust amount of garlic according to your taste preference.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used but fresh is recommended for vibrant flavor.
- Letting the pizza rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes slicing easier.
