Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

If you’re looking for a pizza that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress, then you’ve come to the right place! This Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is a family favorite in my home. The bold garlic flavor, gooey cheese, and fresh herbs come together to create a dish that’s not just delicious but also comforting. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this pizza will steal the show!

I love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness and mellows the sharp bite. Plus, with the option to include your favorite protein, it’s easily customizable for everyone at the table. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pizza comes together in just over an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pizza! It’s a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen by letting them add their favorite toppings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of roasted garlic, creamy cheeses, and fresh herbs makes each bite unforgettable.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in different toppings or cheeses based on what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the roasted garlic sauce in advance to save time when you’re ready to bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! Here are everything you’ll need to make this delightful Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza:

For the Roasted Garlic

• 3 heads garlic
• 1-2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 heads roasted garlic (cloves squeezed out and smashed into a paste)
• ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

For the Pizza

• 1 ball pizza dough (16oz)
• Semolina (for sprinkling on pizza peel)
• 8oz provolone cheese, freshly grated
• 4oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 head roasted garlic (cloves squeezed out)
• Protein of choice (optional): shredded chicken, bacon, Italian sausage, etc.

For Serving

• Thyme leaves
• Fresh basil leaves
• Hot honey
• Balsamic glaze
• Red pepper flakes

Variations

What I love about this recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative with your toppings or ingredients.

• Swap the protein: Add shredded chicken for a heartier option or keep it vegetarian with just veggies.
• Change up the cheese: Try using goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
• Add some greens: Throw on some spinach or arugula after baking for added freshness.
• Make it spicy: Drizzle some chili oil over the top before serving for an extra kick.

How to Make Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Start by slicing off the tops of each head of garlic. This exposes most of the cloves inside. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrapping them in foil traps steam as they roast, which helps caramelize those lovely cloves into sweet goodness. Roast them for about 50-60 minutes until deeply golden brown. Let them cool before handling!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Paste

Once your garlic has cooled down enough to handle, squeeze out two of the heads into a bowl and smash them into a paste. The third head will be used later as whole cloves on top of your pizza—this adds an amazing burst of flavor when baked!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until sizzling. Whisk in flour for about one minute—this helps cook out any raw taste from the flour. Slowly add in whole milk while whisking consistently until smooth. Let it simmer until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon before stirring in your roasted garlic paste along with parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Preheat Your Pizza Stone

Raise your oven temperature to 450 degrees and place a pizza stone directly on the center rack. A hot stone gives you that crispy crust we all crave!

Step 5: Shape Your Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your dough into a round shape. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss it up! Otherwise, gently stretch it using your fists. Just remember not to overwork it—keep that air inside for fluffiness.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza

Sprinkle semolina flour on your pizza peel to prevent sticking. Place your rolled-out dough onto it near the edge for easier transfer later. Spread an even layer of that delicious garlic sauce over the dough first; then if you’re using any proteins like chicken or sausage—now’s their time! Finish by sprinkling provolone cheese evenly followed by dollops of fresh mozzarella and nestling those beautiful roasted garlic cloves on top.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Using swift motion, slide your assembled pizza onto that preheated stone in the oven. Bake for about 14-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling—your kitchen will smell divine!

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Once baked perfectly, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and basil all over! Drizzle with hot honey or balsamic glaze if you like that sweet touch.

Wow—this Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is ready! I can’t wait for you to try making this at home; be sure to invite me over when you do!

Pro Tips for Making Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Creating the perfect roasted garlic pizza is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you nail it!

• Choose fresh ingredients: Using fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality cheese significantly enhances the flavor of your pizza. Fresh ingredients bring vibrant tastes that dried or processed items just can’t match.
• Don’t rush the garlic roasting: Allowing the garlic to roast until it’s deeply golden brown brings out its sweet, caramelized flavors. This step is crucial for achieving that bold garlic taste that’s central to this recipe.
• Preheat your oven with a pizza stone: This ensures an evenly cooked crust that’s perfectly crispy. The stone retains heat well, which helps achieve that restaurant-quality texture right at home.
• Stretch your dough gently: Instead of rolling out the dough aggressively, gently stretch it by hand to keep air pockets intact. This method helps create a light and airy crust that’s full of flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: While this recipe focuses on garlic and cheese, feel free to get creative with additional toppings like roasted vegetables or different types of cheese for a personalized touch.

How to Serve Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Serving your homemade pizza in a delightful way can enhance the whole dining experience! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
• Hot honey drizzle: A drizzle of hot honey adds a sweet kick that balances the richness of the cheese and roasted garlic beautifully.
• Balsamic glaze: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze not only adds a tangy flavor but also creates an eye-catching finish that makes your pizza look gourmet.

Side Dishes

• Simple Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a refreshing side that complements the richness of the pizza.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender brings another layer of flavor and texture to your meal.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Why not double down on garlic? Serve warm breadsticks brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs for a delicious accompaniment.
• Caprese Salad Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella (or a plant-based alternative), and basil drizzled with olive oil make for an easy-to-eat side that pairs perfectly with your pizza.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable pizza night! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavors throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a gathering or just want some tasty leftovers, this pizza stores and reheats beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pizza to cool completely.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, or place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Slice the pizza into serving pieces and let it cool completely.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For frozen slices, reheat directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until hot and crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saver and can still yield delicious results. Just follow the package instructions for rolling and baking.

What toppings work well with Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza?

While this recipe features provolone and mozzarella cheese, feel free to get creative! Toppings like fresh spinach, grilled vegetables, or your favorite protein alternatives can elevate your pizza even more.

How long does it take to prepare Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza?

From start to finish, expect about 1 hour and 25 minutes. This includes preparation and cooking time but is well worth the wait for such an epic dish!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you love making this Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza as much as I do! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that makes any meal feel special. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe will surely impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to invite me over next time!