Description
Classic Cheesy Garlic Pizza
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Ingredients
1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup pizza sauce (optional)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
A pinch of salt
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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a thin circle or rectangle, depending on your preference.
Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or parchment paper.
3. Add Garlic Oil:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil with minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
Brush this garlic mixture evenly over the pizza dough.
4. Layer with Cheese:
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce if desired.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the pizza.
5. Season the Pizza:
Top with dried oregano and basil for extra flavor.
6. Bake:
Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve:
Slice and enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or garlic butter.
Step-by-Step Guide
For a perfect Classic Cheesy Garlic Pizza, follow these detailed steps. Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (425°F) with a rack in the middle position. If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it inside to heat up. While the oven heats, prepare your work surface. Lightly flour a clean counter and roll your dough into a 12-inch circle, rotating it to prevent sticking. For a crispier crust, roll it slightly thinner. Transfer the shaped dough to a piece of parchment paper on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet. This makes loading into the oven easy.
Next, create the garlic oil. Finely mince 3 cloves of fresh garlic and combine them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, apply this mixture evenly across the entire surface of the dough, going right to the edges for maximum flavor. If using sauce, spread a thin, even layer, leaving a half-inch border for the crust. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese. Finally, evenly distribute the dried oregano and basil. Slide the pizza (on the parchment) onto the hot stone or a preheated baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly with browned spots.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza is fantastic on its own, but can be elevated with simple additions. Serve it with a side of warm marinara sauce, creamy ranch, or garlic butter for dipping. For a fresh contrast, pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. To turn it into a heartier meal, add toppings before baking like sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or black olives. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan cheese after baking adds a final flavor boost.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Preheat oven and stone. Roll dough on floured surface. Mix garlic, oil, and salt; brush onto dough. Add optional sauce and full cheese coverage. Season with oregano and basil. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes until golden. Slice and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-minced jarred garlic?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor. Jarred garlic can be used in a pinch, but use 1.5 teaspoons instead of fresh cloves, as the flavor is more concentrated and less nuanced.
My crust is soggy. How do I fix this?
Sogginess is often caused by too much sauce or undercooking. Ensure your sauce layer is thin, and preheat your baking surface. Bake the pizza directly on the oven rack or a preheated stone for the last few minutes to crisp the bottom.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the garlic oil and shred the cheese ahead. Assemble the pizza just before baking for the best texture. Leftover baked pizza reheats well in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for a crispy crust.
What cheese can I use besides mozzarella?
For optimal melt and stretch, low-moisture mozzarella is best. For more flavor, try a blend with provolone, fontina, or a small amount of grated Parmesan mixed in.
Why is my cheese not browning?
Cheese may not brown if the oven isn’t hot enough. Ensure proper preheating. For extra browning, you can use the oven’s broil function for the final 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overloading with Toppings: Too much sauce or cheese weighs down the dough, preventing a crisp crust. Keep layers thin and even.
- Using Cold Dough: Cold dough is difficult to stretch. Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before shaping.
- Not Preheating the Oven/Baking Surface: A fully preheated oven and stone or baking sheet are crucial for a properly cooked, non-soggy crust.
- Skipping the Garlic Oil Brush: This infuses the crust itself with flavor. Don’t just top the pizza with garlic; ensure the oil is brushed on the bare dough.
Conclusion
Mastering the Classic Cheesy Garlic Pizza is about perfecting a few key techniques: a hot oven, a thin crust, and the flavorful garlic oil base. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a delicious, restaurant-quality pizza at home. Its simplicity allows for endless customization, making it a versatile favorite for any night of the week.