This simple Cheesy Garlic Pizza takes basic pizza dough and transforms it into a gooey, aromatic delight.
Brushed with olive oil and garlic, sprinkled with mozzarella and Italian herbs, it bakes up crisp at the edges and soft in the center—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & fuss-free – Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
Maximum garlic flavor – Fresh and powdered garlic combine for depth
Melty cheese pull – Whole-milk mozzarella for that perfect stretch
Customizable base – Add your favorite toppings or enjoy it as is
Kid-friendly – Simple flavors that everyone will love
Ingredient Highlights
Pizza dough – The foundation for your crispy crust
Olive oil & garlic – Brushing with oil and minced garlic infuses each bite
Garlic powder – Reinforces the fresh garlic flavor
Mozzarella cheese – Whole-milk shreds that melt beautifully
Italian seasoning & salt – A sprinkle of herbs and salt to finish
Pro Tips Before You Start
Preheat the pan in the oven for extra crispness on the bottom
Stretch dough gently—avoid tearing for an even bake
Don’t overload on garlic; a little goes a long way once it roasts
Rotate halfway if your oven has hot spots, to ensure even browning
Let it rest a few minutes after baking to settle the cheese
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Pizza
Step 1: Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 450°F and lightly flour a 13″ pizza pan.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Gently stretch your pizza dough in the pan, leaving a small rim around the edge.
Step 3: Oil & Garlic
Leave a 1″ border, then brush the surface with olive oil and scatter the minced garlic. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the top.
Step 4: Cheese & Seasoning
Top with shredded mozzarella, then dust with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 12–13 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the crust browns at the edges.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let cool 5–10 minutes, slice, and enjoy while warm.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle with chili oil or honey for a sweet-spicy twist
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Pair with marinara or ranch for dipping
Variations & Substitutions
Add toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, or fresh basil
Cheese blend: mix in provolone or Parmesan
Herb upgrade: fresh oregano or rosemary instead of dried
Gluten-free: use your favorite gluten-free dough
Storage & Leftovers
Room temp: Store in an airtight container 1 day
Reheat: Warm in a 375°F oven 5–7 minutes for crisp crust
Freeze: Freeze slices in foil for up to 1 month; reheat from frozen
FAQs
Can I use a pizza stone instead of a pan?
Yes—preheat the stone and transfer the pizza onto it for a crispier crust.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Brush the oil-garlic mixture on after the oven is fully preheated and avoid high spots near the heating element.
Can I make this ahead and bake later?
You can stretch the dough and top it, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 4 hours before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm slices in a 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes to revive crispness.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Omit cheese and use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative, then bake as directed.
Can I substitute other cheeses?
Absolutely—cheddar, fontina, or a blend all work deliciously.
How do I add more flavor without extra toppings?
Drizzle with flavored oil (like chili or herb-infused) right after baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Pizza is the ultimate quick comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and intensely garlicky.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes and disappears even faster!
