Description
Garlic bread pizza brings Italian-American comfort to your dinner table with crispy, cheesy goodness. Melted mozzarella and savory herbs create a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
Dough Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cheese and Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
Seasoning and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepperoni (optional)
- Olives (optional)
- Bell peppers (optional)
- Mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by combining it with sugar in warm water. Allow the mixture to become frothy and bubbly for approximately 10 minutes.
- Create the dough by mixing flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. Transfer to a greased bowl and cover, letting it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the garlic butter spread by blending softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F, ensuring it reaches the full temperature before baking.
- Deflate the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to create a thin, even pizza base.
- Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet, then generously spread the garlic butter mixture across the entire surface.
- Layer pizza sauce evenly over the garlic butter, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheese and your preferred toppings.
- Bake in the hot oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and melted, bubbling cheese.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges and serving.
Notes
- Use lukewarm water around 110°F to activate yeast perfectly without killing it.
- Knead dough for at least 8-10 minutes to develop gluten and create a softer, chewier crust.
- Allow dough to rise in a draft-free, warm spot like inside a turned-off oven with the light on.
- Consider substituting whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour to boost nutritional value and add nutty flavor.
- Prevent soggy crust by pre-baking dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for complex flavor profiles.
- Brush extra garlic butter around crust edges for enhanced golden-brown crispiness.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg