Name: Cheesy Garlic Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1 recipe pizza dough; 3 Tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1½ tsp garlic powder; 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella; 1½ tsp Italian seasoning; Salt to taste

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!