When you crave the ultimate comfort food, flavorful, homemade, and bubbling with melty cheese, this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe will become your new go-to. Picture a golden, tender crust crowned with layers of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, kissed with fragrant garlic, a hint of spice, and a shower of fresh basil. It’s just the right balance of gooey cheese, herbal freshness, and savory depth—a pizza that’s so much more than the sum of its delicious parts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with how easy and accessible this ingredient list is. Each element plays its own important role, from delivering crave-worthy texture to adding bright pops of color and flavor that set this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe apart.
- Pizza dough: A 12-ounce ball creates a perfectly chewy-yet-crisp base; try to use fresh or high-quality dough for the best flavor.
- Olive oil: Brushing olive oil over the crust ensures golden, flavorful edges and a slightly nutty aroma.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key for that irresistible, pungent flavor you want in every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into creamy perfection, adding classic richness and amazing cheese pulls.
- Provolone cheese: This brings extra savoriness and a touch of sharpness, making every slice more memorable.
- Parmesan cheese: A little goes a long way with its salty, nutty finish and gorgeous browning on top.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but recommended for a subtle heat that wakes up the whole pizza.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and depth to balance the cheesy richness.
- Salt: Season to taste, amplifying all the other flavors, especially the cheeses.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn and scattered over the hot pizza, basil infuses it with garden-fresh aroma and a vibrant green finish.
How to Make Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first: crank your oven up to 475°F (245°C). If you’ve got a pizza stone or steel, now’s the time to get it inside to preheat—this little step is secret code for a wonderfully crisp crust later on. A hot oven is the foundation for restaurant-quality pizza at home, letting those cheeses melt and bubble just right.
Step 2: Roll Out and Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured countertop, gently roll or stretch your pizza dough to a 12-inch round. This is where you set the stage for the whole Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe. Don’t stress if it’s not a perfect circle; rustic shapes taste just as good! Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet, or a well-floured pizza peel if you’re using a stone.
Step 3: Add the Olive Oil and Garlic
Brush the top of the dough generously with olive oil—it helps crisp the edges and gives everything a sun-kissed flavor. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the oiled dough, making sure you get a bit in every nook and cranny. The garlic will mellow and caramelize as it bakes, perfuming the entire kitchen.
Step 4: Layer on the Cheese
Now for the main event—cheese! Start by scattering mozzarella and provolone evenly across the dough, creating a luscious, even layer. Next, sprinkle the Parmesan on top for kicky depth and that signature golden finish. This trifecta is what turns a simple pizza into a full-blown Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe experience.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Sprinkle over the black pepper, a pinch of salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Slide the pizza into the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching as everything turns bubbly and golden brown around the edges. The cheese should be melted, with hints of caramelization, and the crust should sing with color.
Step 6: Garnish with Basil
As soon as your pizza comes out, scatter the torn fresh basil leaves over the cheese so they wilt slightly from the heat, releasing their aromatic oils and turning this into a truly fresh and vibrant Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe. Wait just a couple of minutes to let everything settle before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Kick up the flavor even more by finishing with extra Parmesan, a handful of baby arugula for a peppery bite, or a few cracks of black pepper. For a touch of sweetness and tang, drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. These simple additions make each slice of Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe even more mouthwatering and photogenic.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza with a crisp Caesar salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or a refreshing bowl of marinated olives to round out your meal. Classic Italian minestrone or a simple tomato soup also make cozy accompaniments, especially for pizza night with family and friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pizza on a wooden board for that rustic, trattoria vibe, or slice it into skinny strips as party-friendly finger food. Mini personal pizzas are fun for gatherings, or you could fold slices into calzone-style pockets for a playful twist on the traditional presentation of this Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have slices left (it’s rare!), let them cool to room temperature and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, making leftover Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe a next-day delight.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled pizza slices tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer bag for up to two months. For best quality, separate layers with parchment to keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready, pop the slices straight from freezer to oven—no thawing needed!
Reheating
Reheat pizza in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) directly on the rack or a baking sheet for 5–7 minutes. This way, you bring back all the gooeyness and revive that crispy crust that sets a homemade Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe apart from takeout versions. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust chewy or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough (from the bakery section or even frozen) is a great shortcut and works beautifully. Just give it a little time to come to room temperature for easier stretching.
Is it possible to make this pizza gluten-free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza dough and follow all the same steps. The cheesy, garlicky flavors shine just as brightly on a gluten-free base.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
A hot oven is crucial, and adding cheese last acts as a moisture barrier. Make sure to brush the dough lightly with olive oil and avoid piling the ingredients too thick, which can weigh down the crust.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment! Fontina, asiago, or a little goat cheese are all welcome additions, giving your Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe a personalized twist. Just stick to melty, flavorful options for best results.
Can I add veggies or meat?
Definitely—thinly sliced tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of cooked sausage or prosciutto all work beautifully. Keep toppings light so the pizza bakes evenly and remains the star of the show.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for pizza night perfection, the Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe is an instant classic. It’s simple, customizable, and packed with flavor—just begging to be shared with friends, family, or devoured all on your own. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new favorite you’ll reach for time and again!
Print
Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful Cheesy Basil & Garlic Pizza that’s bursting with flavor. This homemade pizza features a perfect harmony of garlic-infused crust, gooey cheeses, and fresh basil leaves, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 ball (about 12 oz) pizza dough
Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if using.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch diameter.
- Add Toppings: Brush olive oil on the dough, sprinkle garlic, add cheeses, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Finish: Top with fresh basil leaves, let it rest, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Enhance with sliced tomatoes or a balsamic glaze.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated stone or steel.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
