Name: Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 ½ cups Flour; 3 teaspoons Granulated sugar; 2 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt; 1 ¼ tablespoons Instant yeast; ¼ cup Olive oil; 2 cups Water; 1 teaspoon Vinegar; 115 g Butter; 5 cloves Garlic, grated; 4 cups Mozzarella cheese; ½ teaspoon Chili flakes; ½ teaspoon Dried basil

Jump to Recipe·4 from 40 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into the perfect combination of soft, chewy dough, rich garlic butter, and gooey melting cheese, then you are in for a treat with the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe. This mouthwatering creation blends a homemade dough that’s tender yet crisp with a luscious garlic butter sauce and an indulgent blanket of mozzarella, all sprinkled with just the right amount of herbs and chili flakes for a subtle kick. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite, perfect for any occasion when you want a little cheesy garlic magic in your life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round dough base is shown in two stages on a white marbled surface. On the left side, a woman's hand holds a light blue brush spreading a shiny yellow layer of oil or butter evenly over the dough. On the right side, the dough is covered with a thick, uneven layer of shredded white cheese, densely spread across the surface and reaching almost to the edges. The dough has a slightly raised edge around the circle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a crucial role to create layers of flavor and texture that will blow you away. From the flour that forms the sturdy yet soft foundation, to the rich butter and garlic combo that brings the sauce to life, each component is essential for bringing the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe to your table.

Flour (5 ½ cups): The base for your dough, essential for structure and that perfect chewiness.
Granulated sugar (3 teaspoons): Feeds the yeast and adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Kosher salt (2 ½ teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors and helps develop the dough’s texture.
Instant yeast (1 ¼ tablespoons): The magic agent that makes your dough rise beautifully.
Olive oil (¼ cup): Adds richness and a lovely tender crumb to the dough.
Water (2 cups): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour perfectly.
Vinegar (1 teaspoon): Helps strengthen the dough’s gluten for a better rise and texture.
Butter (115 g): The base of your garlic butter sauce, buttery and rich for indulgence.
Garlic (5 cloves, grated): Infuses the sauce with bright, aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Mozzarella (4 cups): The star cheese that melts into gooey, stretchy perfection on top.
Chili flakes (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements garlic and cheese beautifully.

How to Make Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Mix in olive oil, water, and vinegar, and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when touched. This simple dough is the backbone of the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe, providing that irresistible chewy texture you crave. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While your dough is rising, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the grated garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned – this keeps the garlic flavor fresh and bright. This sauce is your pizza’s flavor bomb, so don’t be shy with the garlic! Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Shape and Prebake the Dough

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide as needed. Roll out or stretch the dough to your desired thickness on a floured surface, then transfer to a baking tray or pizza stone. Brush the garlic butter sauce generously over the surface. Prebake the crust for about 8-10 minutes to get it started crisping up without losing softness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

After prebaking, load your crust with the mozzarella cheese evenly. Sprinkle the chili flakes and dried basil on top for that perfect finishing touch. This step brings together all the elements of the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe, layering creamy cheese with herbaceous notes and a touch of heat.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your assembled pizza into a preheated oven at around 450°F (230°C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The aroma at this point will have you absolutely drooling. Let the pizza rest a few minutes before slicing to let the cheese settle.

How to Serve Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe

The image shows two round dough balls on a white marbled surface dusted with flour. On the left, one dough ball rests while a woman's hand gently holds the other dough ball. On the right, two woman's hands are shaping a flat round dough, pressing from the edges inward, creating a slightly raised crust around the dough's perimeter. The doughs have a smooth, pale beige texture, and the scene has soft, natural lighting that highlights the flour dust and dough surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your pizza even more, sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt adds that finishing layer of flavor. These simple garnishes make the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe truly pop.

Side Dishes

This pizza pairs wonderfully with a light side salad packed with fresh greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance all the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or even a bowl of warm soup can complement the cheesy garlic goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your pizza into bite-sized squares for a fun party appetizer or serve alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy marinara for extra indulgence. You can also customize toppings to personalize each slice while keeping the garlic butter base front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe tastes great cold or reheated, making it ideal for next-day cravings.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pizza tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pizza maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick cheesy meal whenever you need.

Reheating

Reheat your pizza in a skillet over medium heat or in a hot oven for a few minutes to restore that crispy crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the crust soggy — you want to savor every bit of the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe just like fresh!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade dough is wonderful for flavor and texture, store-bought dough can save time and still yield delicious results for the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe.

How can I make the garlic flavor more intense?

If you love garlic, add an extra clove to the butter sauce or sprinkle some roasted garlic on top after baking to boost the aroma and depth.

Is mozzarella the only cheese I can use?

Mozzarella is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, but feel free to mix in provolone or parmesan for a more complex cheesy experience that suits your taste.

What if I don’t have instant yeast?

You can use active dry yeast instead; just proof it in warm water for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the dough ingredients to ensure it activates properly.

Can this pizza be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the regular flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend and adjust hydration as needed for the dough consistency. You’ll still enjoy the Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe with all the cheesy garlic charm.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you try this Best Cheesy Garlic Pizza Recipe as soon as possible. It’s the kind of pizza that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a cozy night in. Once you make it, I’m sure it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes too!