Description
Garlic Herb Cheese Pizza
Satisfy your cheesy cravings with this deliciously simple Garlic Herb Cheese Pizza. Perfectly crispy crust, gooey cheese, and fragrant garlic will make it your go-to comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¾ cup warm water
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Topping:
3 tablespoons butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add warm water and olive oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms (about 5 minutes). Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
Add the Toppings:
Brush melted butter over the dough. Sprinkle minced garlic evenly. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake the Pizza:
Carefully place the pizza on the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pizza. Slice and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and irresistible!
This cheesy garlic herb pizza is pure comfort food heaven! Perfect for sharing… or not!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Activate the Yeast: In your mixing bowl, combine the warm water (ensure it’s between 105-115°F), sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This proves the yeast is active.
2. Form the Dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Base: Punch down the risen dough. On a floured surface, roll and stretch it to your desired thickness. For a crispier crust, roll it thinner.
5. Pre-Bake (Optional but Recommended): For an extra-crispy crust, bake the naked dough on the preheated stone/sheet for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
6. Final Bake: Add toppings as instructed and bake until the crust edges are deeply golden and the cheese is spotted with brown.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pizza pairs beautifully with light, acidic sides to cut through the richness. Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping the crust. For a heartier meal, accompany it with roasted vegetables or a cup of tomato basil soup. It’s perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or as a decadent appetizer sliced into smaller pieces.
How-to Summary
Create a simple yeast dough with flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, and oil. Let it rise. Roll it out, then top with a butter-garlic base, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and bake at a high temperature (475°F) until golden and bubbly. Finish with fresh parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made dough or a store-bought crust? Absolutely. For a quick version, use a high-quality pre-made pizza dough or even a flatbread. Adjust baking time as needed, as they may cook faster.
How can I prevent a soggy crust? Ensure your oven and pizza stone/baking sheet are fully preheated. Avoid overloading with toppings. The optional pre-bake step for the crust is the best defense against sogginess.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. After the first rise, punch it down, place it in an oiled container, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.
What are good cheese substitutes? For a different flavor, try provolone, fontina, or gouda mixed with the mozzarella. For a dairy-free version, use high-moisture vegan mozzarella-style shreds.
How do I get a more pronounced garlic flavor? Infuse the melted butter with the minced garlic over low heat for 2-3 minutes before brushing it on. This cooks off the raw bite and creates a deeper, sweeter garlic flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using water that is too hot for the yeast: This will kill the yeast. Aim for warm, not hot, water.
- Not preheating your baking surface: A cold pan results in a pale, soft crust. Preheat for at least 30 minutes.
- Overloading with cheese: Too much cheese releases excess oil and can weigh down the crust, preventing it from crisping properly.
- Cutting the pizza immediately: Let it rest for 3-5 minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t all slide off when sliced.
Conclusion
Mastering this Garlic Herb Cheese Pizza is about understanding a few key techniques: proper dough handling, high-heat baking, and balanced toppings. It transforms basic ingredients into a spectacularly comforting meal that feels gourmet. The process is forgiving and customizable, making it a foundational recipe for any home cook. Once you experience the joy of pulling a bubbling, fragrant homemade pizza from your own oven, it’s sure to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.