Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Bold garlic flavor, gooey cheese, fresh herbs, and hot honey—this Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is a showstopper for any pizza night! Perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe showcases the delightful richness of roasted garlic. With its creamy sauce and melty cheeses, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The roasted garlic brings a deep, savory taste that elevates the pizza experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your pizza with your favorite proteins or keep it vegetarian; the choice is yours!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend feast, this pizza fits right in.
• Great for Sharing: With 8 servings, it’s ideal for parties or family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pizza stone
• Pizza peel
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking foil

Importance of Each Tool

• Pizza Stone: This tool helps achieve a crispy crust by evenly distributing heat during baking.
• Pizza Peel: It allows you to easily transfer the pizza from prep to oven without hassle.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for making sauces smoothly without spills or messes.

Ingredients

To create your Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza, gather the following ingredients:

For the Garlic Sauce

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

• 1 ball pizza dough (16oz)
• Semolina, for sprinkling on pizza peel

For Toppings

• 8oz provolone cheese, freshly grated
• 4oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 1 head roasted garlic, cloves squeezed out
• Protein of choice (optional): shredded chicken, Italian sausage, etc.

For Serving

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

How to Make Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice off the tops of the garlic heads to expose most of the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each head in aluminum foil and roast directly in the oven for 50-60 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Paste

Squeeze out cloves from two roasted garlic heads into a bowl and mash into a paste. For the third head, carefully remove cloves mostly intact—these will be used as toppings.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until sizzling. Add flour and whisk for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste. Reduce heat to medium-low; slowly whisk in milk until combined. Bring sauce to a simmer while whisking consistently until thickened enough to coat a spoon. Remove from heat; stir in roasted garlic paste, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Preheat for Baking

Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while placing your pizza stone on the center rack.

Step 5: Shape Your Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a round shape. Feel free to toss it if you’re comfortable! Alternatively, stretch it gently using your fists.

Step 6: Assemble Your Pizza

Sprinkle semolina on your pizza peel. Place dough near one edge for easy transfer. Spread an even layer of garlic sauce over the surface using an offset spatula. If desired, add protein of choice before sprinkling provolone cheese and tearing mozzarella pieces onto the top. Nestle roasted garlic cloves throughout.

Step 7: Bake Your Pizza

Transfer your assembled pizza directly onto the preheated stone using swift motions with your peel. Bake for about 14-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Once baked, top with fresh thyme leaves and basil. Drizzle with hot honey or balsamic glaze before serving.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Slice up your delicious Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza and share it with friends or family—just don’t forget to invite me over when you make this!

How to Serve Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

To elevate your Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza experience, consider pairing it with complementary flavors and textures. The right accompaniments can enhance the overall meal, making it even more delightful for your guests or family.

Fresh Herbs

• Thyme Leaves: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the pizza for a burst of herbal freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add torn basil leaves after baking for a fragrant touch that brightens the flavors.

Hot Honey

• Drizzle Hot Honey: A drizzle of hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick that contrasts beautifully with the savory garlic and cheese.

Balsamic Glaze

• Finish with Balsamic Glaze: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the pizza.

Side Salads

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens dressed in olive oil and vinegar provides a refreshing balance to the rich pizza.
• Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and a creamy dressing make for a classic pairing.

How to Perfect Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Creating the perfect Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza involves some key techniques to ensure great flavor and texture. Follow these tips to master your pizza-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and good cheese for maximum flavor.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit before baking to achieve a crispy crust.
• Stretch Dough Properly: Take time to stretch your dough evenly without tearing it. This helps create an ideal base for toppings.
• Avoid Overloading Toppings: While it’s tempting to pile on toppings, too many can make the pizza soggy. Keep it balanced.
• Let It Rest After Baking: Allow the pizza to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly for easier slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

Pairing sides with your Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its rich flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes an excellent side that echoes the garlic theme without overwhelming it.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction offer a light and refreshing contrast.
3. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, grilled vegetables, and marinated artichokes creates an Italian-inspired spread.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide nourishment and color while enhancing the meal’s overall healthiness.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a tangy bite that pairs well with the richness of the pizza.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate between slices of delicious pizza. Consider using seasonal fruits!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Skipping the roasting process: Roasting garlic enhances its sweetness and flavor. Neglecting this step will result in a less flavorful pizza.
• Not using enough semolina flour: Failing to sprinkle semolina on the pizza peel can cause the dough to stick. Ensure you use enough for easy transfer.
• Overloading with cheese: While cheese is essential, too much can make the pizza greasy. Aim for balance with provolone and mozzarella for gooey perfection.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at too low of a temperature can lead to an undercooked crust. Always preheat your oven adequately for that perfect crispy finish.
• Forgetting the herbs and finishing touches: Skipping fresh herbs or hot honey can diminish flavor complexity. Don’t forget to add these right before serving for vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best flavor.

Freezing Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking periodically to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm until the cheese melts.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Feel free to mix cheeses like gouda or feta for unique flavors. Just maintain a balance so it’s not overly rich.

How do I make my own pizza dough?

Combine flour, water, yeast, and salt to create homemade dough. Let it rise until doubled in size before shaping.

Can I customize the toppings on my Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza?

Absolutely! Add toppings like grilled chicken or veggies based on your preference. The garlic sauce pairs well with many ingredients.

What is the best way to store leftover pizza?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze as instructed above. This keeps it fresh longer.

How do I prevent my pizza dough from sticking?

Be generous with semolina flour on your peel and ensure your dough is well-floured before transferring it to the oven.

Final Thoughts

The Epic Roasted Garlic Pizza brings bold flavors together in one satisfying dish. Its versatility allows you to customize toppings and ingredients easily, making it perfect for any pizza night. Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite additions!