Easy Bruschetta Pizza (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pizza Base
01 -
3 fresh garlic cloves, finely grated
02 -
3 tablespoons high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
03 -
1 pound fresh pizza dough, brought to room temperature
→ Toppings
04 -
8 ounces fresh mozzarella ball, sliced thin or hand-torn into pieces
05 -
3/4 cup jarred tomato bruschetta topping
06 -
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn by hand
07 -
Balsamic glaze for finishing
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small mixing bowl, combine your grated garlic with the olive oil and add just a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside - this aromatic oil will be the flavor foundation of your pizza.
02 -
Place your pizza stone or large baking sheet directly in the oven before preheating to 500°F. This step is crucial for getting that perfectly crispy crust - don't remove the stone while the oven heats up.
03 -
Lay out a generous piece of parchment paper on your work surface and dust it lightly with flour or cornmeal. Place your room-temperature pizza dough on top and sprinkle with more flour to prevent sticking as you work with it.
04 -
Gently roll and stretch the dough outward, working from the center, until you have a beautiful 12 to 14-inch round. Don't worry about making it perfectly circular - rustic edges add character!
05 -
Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of your pizza dough with the garlic oil mixture. Then arrange your mozzarella slices or torn pieces evenly across the surface, leaving a small border for the crust.
06 -
Carefully slide your pizza (still on parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet using a pizza peel or large spatula. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling.
07 -
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately spoon the tomato bruschetta over the hot cheese. Scatter the fresh torn basil leaves on top, then finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice into 8 wedges and serve while it's still warm and melty.
# Notes:
01 -
If you can't find fresh pizza dough at your local grocery store, look for it at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. Alternatively, try using a high-quality pizza dough mix that only requires adding water.
02 -
Store leftover pizza by layering slices between parchment paper in a container, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
03 -
For reheating, the air fryer works beautifully at 350°F for 6-8 minutes. You can also use a covered skillet method or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.