Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

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This Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza is a love letter to fresh flavors and melty cheese. Each bite combines the earthy warmth of roasted garlic, the creamy richness of mozzarella, and the peppery freshness of basil on a perfectly crisp crust. It’s not just a pizza—it’s a celebration of ingredients that speak for themselves.

Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering, this pizza skips the fuss and goes straight for flavor. Whether you use homemade or store-bought dough, the real magic happens in the topping. With a quick broil at the end, the cheese bubbles golden and the basil releases its fragrant oils—transforming your kitchen into a mini pizzeria.

What Kind of Pizza Dough Should I Use?

The beauty of this pizza lies in its flexibility. A good-quality store-bought dough works wonderfully, especially if you’re in a hurry. But if you have time, a homemade dough or sourdough base will give you that authentic chew and flavor. Just make sure the dough is at room temperature before you stretch it—cold dough tends to fight back.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

• 1 prepared pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

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How To Make the Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well. This ensures a crispier crust.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Brush the garlic-infused oil over the dough, then sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top. Add the sautéed garlic, followed by the torn basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully slide the pizza onto your hot pizza stone or bake on the sheet for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese settle and makes for cleaner cuts.

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Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

This pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still melty and the basil is fragrant. Pair it with a simple arugula salad or a chilled glass of white wine for a well-rounded meal.

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to bring back that crispy crust—microwaving can make it soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my pizza crust from getting soggy?

Make sure not to overload it with cheese or toppings, and preheat your oven with a pizza stone if possible. High heat = crisp crust.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh basil really makes a difference. Add dried basil before baking, while fresh is best added right before serving or toward the end of baking.

What other cheeses can I use?

Fontina, provolone, or a bit of goat cheese can complement mozzarella beautifully. Just don’t go too heavy, or you’ll lose the balance.

Can I make this pizza vegan?

Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based cheese and olive oil in place of any dairy-based ingredients.

Should I par-bake the dough?

If your dough tends to be extra soft or thick, a 5-minute par-bake before adding toppings can help prevent sogginess.

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Want More Pizza Ideas?

If you love this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza, you’ll definitely want to try these other flavorful bakes:

• Buffalo Chicken Calzone for spicy, cheesy comfort food.
• Cheesy Pizza Bombs if you want mini bites packed with big flavor.
• One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a hearty meal to follow your pizza night.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for creamy richness that pairs well with garlic.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if garlic is your love language.

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this pizza to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again on a whim: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Tried it? Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add extra cheese? I’d love to hear your take on it and any delicious tweaks you made!

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