Name: Easy Garlic Parmesan Pizza
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 large pizza
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¾ cup 2% milk; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 large pizza dough, room temperature; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Garlic Parmesan Pizza is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary hug for your taste buds, a symphony of savory goodness that transforms a simple pie into an unforgettable experience. Have you ever craved that perfect balance of creamy, sharp Parmesan and pungent, roasted garlic, all baked onto a chewy, golden crust? If so, you’re not alone. This dish is a universally loved comfort food, elevated to new heights by its exquisite simplicity and incredible flavor profile. What truly sets our Garlic Parmesan Pizza apart is the deliberate layering of fresh garlic, a generous hand with premium Parmesan cheese, and a secret touch that ensures every bite is a revelation. It’s the kind of pizza that makes you want to close your eyes and savor each mouthful, the kind that becomes the star of any gathering and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love with pizza all over again!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¾ cup 2% milk
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 large pizza dough, room temperature
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade

Making the Garlic Parmesan Pizza

This Garlic Parmesan Pizza is incredibly simple to put together and bursting with flavor. The creamy garlic parmesan sauce acts as the perfect base for melted mozzarella, creating a comforting and delicious meal that’s miles better than takeout. We’ll start by preparing our flavorful sauce, then assemble and bake the pizza to golden perfection.

Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This sauce is the heart of our Garlic Parmesan Pizza and it comes together in just a few minutes. It’s a quick bécbeef hamel-style sauce, enriched with the savory goodness of garlic and Parmesan.

In a medium saucepan, melt the 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can impart a bitter taste. We’re just looking for that lovely aroma to release.
Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and butter. Whisk this mixture vigorously for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a smooth roux, which will thicken our sauce. The mixture will form a paste-like consistency.
Gradually whisk in the ¾ cup of 2% milk, a little at a time. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once all the milk has been incorporated, increase the heat slightly to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring as it thickens. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want the sauce to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Continue stirring until the Parmesan cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy, and cheesy mixture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed – you might want a pinch more salt or pepper depending on your preference. Set this glorious sauce aside to cool slightly while we prepare the pizza dough.

Assembling and Baking the Pizza

Now for the fun part – bringin extractg it all together! A well-preheated oven is key to a perfectly crisp pizza crust.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will help create a wonderfully crisp bottom crust. Lightly flour a clean surface and gently stretch or roll out the 1 large pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper for easy transfer.
Spoon the slightly cooled garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving about a ½-inch border for the crust. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges where the crust will form. This sauce is going to melt and bubble beautifully in the oven.
Generously sprinkle the 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese; it’s what makes this pizza truly irresistible. Ensure an even distribution so you get that perfect cheesy pull in every bite.
Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning evenly over the mozzarella cheese. This blend of herbs adds an aromatic and classic pizza flavor that complements the garlic and Parmesan wonderfully.
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking steel (or directly onto an oven rack if you don’t have one). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your crust. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately scatter the ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves (chiffonade) over the hot pizza. The residual heat will gently wilt the basil, releasing its fresh, aromatic essence without making it soggy. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the incredible aroma and taste of your homemade Garlic Parmesan Pizza!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating the most delicious Garlic Parmesan Pizza! We’ve walked through each step, from preparing the perfect crust to layering on that irresistible combination of garlic, herbs, and golden cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Pizza is a true crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting homemade meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Consider adding some fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrients, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Pizza lies in its versatility. Serve it hot from the oven with a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner. We encourage you to try this recipe and experience the delightful simplicity and incredible flavor of a homemade Garlic Parmesan Pizza. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Absolutely! While this recipe assumes you have your preferred pizza dough ready (store-bought or homemade), feel free to use your favorite pizza dough recipe. The key is to have a well-risen and properly baked crust to support all the delicious toppings of your Garlic Parmesan Pizza.

What kind of cheese is best for Garlic Parmesan Pizza?

For this Garlic Parmesan Pizza, a blend of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for that sharp, nutty flavor is ideal. You can also experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Gruyère for added complexity. The combination ensures a beautifully golden and flavorful topping.

Can I add other vegetables to my Garlic Parmesan Pizza?

Yes, you certainly can! Roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking can all complement the flavors of the Garlic Parmesan Pizza beautifully. Feel free to customize it to your liking!