Introduction
Homemade garlic cheese pizza is a delightful dish that offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. With a crispy crust, savory garlic-infused oil, and a generous helping of melty cheese, this pizza is sure to impress family and friends. Customize your pizza base to suit your preferences and enjoy the process of making this delicious meal from scratch.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pizza Base (30 cm/12″ diameter):
– Choose one of the following:
– Classic yeast-based pizza dough
– No-yeast pizza dough
– Store-bought pizza base
Garlic Infused Oil:
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 teaspoons fresh garlic (2–3 large cloves), crushed into a paste
Toppings:
– 1/8 teaspoon cooking salt (or kosher salt)
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
Prep Time
Preparation time for this garlic cheese pizza is approximately 15 minutes, allowing you to get everything ready before baking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 1 pizza
Enjoy your homemade garlic cheese pizza!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 250°C (480°F) or 230°C (450°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Allow sufficient time for the oven to reach the desired temperature.
2. Prepare Garlic Infused Oil
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and crushed garlic. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Prepare Pizza Base
Roll out your chosen pizza dough to fit a 30 cm (12″) pizza pan. If using a no-yeast base, spray or brush the exposed crust with olive oil to ensure it browns nicely during baking.
4. Assemble Pizza
– Spread the garlic-infused oil evenly over the pizza base, leaving a border around the edges.
– Sprinkle the salt over the oiled base.
– Evenly distribute the shredded parmesan cheese over the base.
– Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage.
5. Bake
Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 8 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through, until the cheese is melted and has developed golden spots.
6. Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, slice, and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.
Notes
Garlic Preparation
For optimal flavor infusion, use fresh garlic and crush it into a paste. Avoid using store-bought garlic pastes, as they may contain preservatives that can alter the taste.
Cheese
Freshly shredding your cheese is recommended, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
Pizza Base Options
– Classic Yeast-Based Dough: Requires kneading and proofing time but offers a traditional flavor and texture.
– No-Yeast Dough: Quick to prepare with no rising time, making it a convenient option.
– Store-Bought Base: A time-saving alternative; ensure it’s suitable for high-temperature baking.
Enjoy your homemade garlic cheese pizza!
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure your oven is preheated to the appropriate temperature before baking the pizza. This step is crucial for achieving a perfectly cooked crust and evenly melted cheese.
Preparing Garlic Infused Oil
Combining extra virgin olive oil with crushed garlic allows the flavors to meld together. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes for a more robust garlic flavor.
Rolling Out the Pizza Base
When preparing your pizza base, roll it out evenly to fit the pizza pan. For no-yeast dough, applying oil to the exposed crust will enhance browning during baking.
Assembling the Pizza
Spread the garlic-infused oil evenly on the base and sprinkle salt. Layer the parmesan cheese first, followed by mozzarella, ensuring even distribution for optimal melting.
Baking the Pizza
Bake the assembled pizza in the preheated oven, rotating halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on the pizza to achieve the desired golden spots on the cheese.
Serving the Pizza
Once baked, let the pizza cool slightly before slicing. Serve immediately to enjoy the melting, gooey cheese.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought pizza bases are a convenient option that can save time while still allowing you to create a delicious pizza.
How can I achieve a crispy pizza crust?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider using a pizza stone if available. Preheating the stone will create a crispier crust.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Yes, you can substitute with other types of cheese like cheddar or gouda. Just be mindful of their melting properties.
What should I do if the cheese isn’t melting properly?
If the cheese doesn’t melt well, it may be due to anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese. Shredding cheese fresh is recommended for better results.
How do I store leftover pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best results, allowing the cheese to melt again.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious homemade garlic cheese pizza is simple and rewarding. By choosing your preferred pizza base and combining the rich flavors of garlic-infused oil with fresh mozzarella and parmesan, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that’s sure to please. Customize your toppings and baking technique to match your taste, and savor the gooey cheese and crispy crust right out of the oven.
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