Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

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If you dream of pizza nights that start with the aroma of golden, bubbling cheese and end with satisfied smiles around the table, this Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza is for you. Imagine a rustic, lightly crisped crust layered with creamy mozzarella, kissed with roasted garlic, and crowned with fragrant basil leaves. It delivers restaurant-style flavor in a homemade, heartwarming format.

Whether you’re hosting game night, feeding the family on a Friday, or just need a quick comfort bite, this pizza rises to the occasion. It’s simple, but far from plain. And once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

• Incredibly Flavorful: Garlic, mozzarella, and fresh basil combine into an unbeatable flavor trio.
• Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create big taste.
• Quick to Make: Using pre-made or store-bought dough makes this a weeknight-friendly option.
• Customizable: Add toppings or play with different cheeses to suit your mood.
• Perfect for Sharing: This pizza cuts beautifully and disappears quickly!

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza?

The beauty of this pizza is its flexibility. A thin, crisp crust highlights the melty cheese and delicate basil without overpowering the flavor. Store-bought pizza dough or naan works beautifully when you’re short on time. Want a more rustic, chewy bite? Try a homemade dough or sourdough base. The key is baking it until just golden and crisp on the edges for that signature pizzeria finish.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

Each ingredient in this pizza brings its own touch of comfort and flavor. Here’s why they matter:

• Pizza Dough: The blank canvas! Choose fresh, store-bought, or homemade dough as the sturdy, chewy base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey star of the show. Fresh mozzarella melts best, but shredded works just as well.
• Garlic Cloves: Roasted or minced garlic infuses the pizza with its signature warmth and depth.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Torn over the top, basil brightens every bite with a fragrant, peppery touch.
• Olive Oil: Brushed on the crust for richness and helps the garlic bloom.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a little spice.

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How To Make the Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Olive Oil

In a small pan, gently heat olive oil and minced garlic until fragrant, but not browned. Brush this garlic oil generously over the dough, especially around the edges.

Step 3: Load Up the Cheese

Layer slices or generous handfuls of mozzarella evenly across the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 475°F (245°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with hints of browning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store This Pizza

This recipe makes one 12-inch pizza, enough for 2 to 3 hungry people or 4 light eaters. Serve it fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty and the crust is crisp. Pair it with a cold drink or simple side salad.

To store leftovers, let the pizza cool completely. Place slices in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or hot skillet to revive the crispness.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Basil and Garlic Pizza?

Classic Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons with a lemony dressing make the perfect light pairing.

Tomato Basil Soup

Warm and velvety, this classic combo is pure comfort when paired with cheesy pizza.

Roasted Veggie Platter

Add balance with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots dressed with herbs and olive oil.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

Turn dinner into a feast with a few skewers of buttery shrimp on the side. Try our Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for inspiration.

Caprese Skewers

Mini skewers with mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Crispy Fried Mushrooms

Savory, snacky, and perfect as a crunchy contrast to the cheesy slice. Check out Crispy Fried Mushrooms.

Lemon Cucumber Sparkling Water

A refreshing drink to lighten up the richness of the cheese.

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Want More Pizza Ideas?

If you love this cheesy basil and garlic combo, you’ll want to try these other pizza delights too:

• Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Made With Crescent Rolls if you’re craving sweet over savory.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a handheld pizza party.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells when you want gooey cheese in a different format.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for that meaty, cheesy fix.
• Taco Ranch Bites if you’re in the mood for fusion-style finger food.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pizza board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with extra garlic? Swap the cheese? Add toppings?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other create tastier kitchens.

Explore more crave-worthy recipes on Nora Nosh’s Pinterest board for your next pizza night or cozy dinner inspiration.

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