Cheese pizza, a classic and beloved dish, is a mouth-watering combination of soft, chewy dough, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This simple yet satisfying pizza is a versatile and customizable option that can be enjoyed with various toppings or savored in its purest form.
Whether you enjoy it as a quick meal on the go or as the centerpiece of a social gathering, the cheesy goodness of a slice of cheese pizza never fails to satisfy. So, if you're looking for a tasty and easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, try out this ultimate cheese pizza recipe and indulge in a slice of cheesy heaven!😋
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What is Cheese Pizza?
Cheese pizza is a classic pizza variation made with a simple combination of pizza dough, tomato sauce, and cheese. It is typically topped with mozzarella cheese, known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted, and sometimes combined with other cheeses like Parmesan or Muenster for added flavor. In addition, cheese pizza can be customized with different toppings, such as vegetables or meat. Still, at its core, it is all about the delicious blend of soft and chewy dough, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese that makes it a favorite among pizza lovers worldwide.
Cheese Pizza Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Pizza Dough: This is the base of the cheese pizza made of flour, water, yeast, and salt. It provides the structure and texture of the pizza.
- Pizza Sauce: This is a tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and various herbs and spices. It is spread over the pizza dough to provide a flavorful base.
- Munster Cheese: This semi-soft cheese has a mild flavor and melts quickly. It is sliced and placed on top of the pizza sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese is a soft and stretchy cheese commonly used on pizzas. It has a mild flavor and melts well.
- Parmesan Cheese: This is a hard, salty cheese grated and sprinkled over the cheese pizza. It provides a savory and tangy flavor to the pizza.
- Basil: This is a sweet and fragrant herb used to add flavor to the pizza. It is usually sprinkled over the top of the cheese.
- Oregano: This is a pungent and aromatic herb used to flavor the pizza. It is usually sprinkled over the top of the cheese.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This high-quality oil is used to brush over the pizza crust before baking. It adds flavor and helps to brown the crust.
For Brushing:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is a Good-quality oil made from cold-pressed olives. It has a fruity flavor and is rich in antioxidants. In the recipe, it is used to brush over the cheese pizza crust to add flavor and help brown it.
- Oregano: This is a pungent and aromatic herb used in many Italian dishes. The recipe adds it to the oil to enhance the crust's flavor.
- Garlic Powder: This is a ground form of garlic used to flavor dishes. The recipe adds it to the oil to provide a savory and aromatic flavor to the crust.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Cheese Pizza
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Preheating the oven to 450° F. Whisk the extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside In a lightly greased pizza pan, sprinkle cornmeal onto the bottom of your pizza pan, pat the dough out using your fingertips to 12" to 14'' in diameter, or use a pin to stretch the pizza dough on a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, lightly dusted with cornmeal then slide the pizza onto the pizza pan.
Top the crust with the pizza sauce, then the sliced Munster cheese, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Lightly brush the crust with the extra virgin olive oil mixture. Sprinkle with basil and oregano on top of the cheese. Bake the cheese pizza for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese bubbles. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Pizza Dough: If you don't have the time or ingredients to make homemade pizza dough, you can use store-bought pizza dough or pre-made pizza crust.
- Pizza Sauce: If you don't have pizza sauce, substitute it with tomato or canned diced tomatoes. Add garlic and Italian herbs to the tomato sauce to make it more flavorful.
- Munster Cheese: If you cannot find Munster cheese or it is unavailable, you can substitute it with another mild and melty cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
- Mozzarella Cheese: If you do not have mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with another type of melty cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
- Parmesan Cheese: If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with another hard cheese with a similar flavor profile, such as pecorino romano or asiago.
- Basil and Oregano: If you don't have fresh basil or oregano, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about ⅓ of the number of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you don't have extra virgin olive oil, you can substitute it with another type of oil, such as vegetable or canola. However, remember that the flavor and health benefits may differ.
Variations
- Veggie Pizza: Add your favorite veggies to the cheese pizza, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. You can even use a variety of veggies to make a colorful and nutritious pizza.
- Meat Lovers Pizza: Add your favorite meats to the cheese pizza, such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or ham. This will add a savory and hearty flavor to the pizza.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: Instead of tomato sauce, use BBQ sauce and add cooked chicken, red onion, and mozzarella cheese to the pizza. This will give the pizza a tangy and smoky flavor.
- Margherita Pizza: This pizza is a classic and simple version of cheese pizza that uses only tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. It is an excellent option to showcase the cheese and tomato sauce flavors.
- Hawaiian Pizza: Add cooked ham and pineapple to the pizza. This will add a sweet and salty flavor to the pizza.
- Three Cheese Pizza: Combine three different kinds of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan. This will give the pizza a rich and complex flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pizza: Use a gluten-free pizza crust from ingredients such as rice flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour. This will make the pizza suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How to Serve
- Slice it up: Cut the pizza into slices and serve it on a plate. This is a classic and simple way to make pizza.
- Serve with dipping sauce: Provide dipping sauces on the side, such as marinara or ranch dressing. This will add some extra flavor and variety to the cheese pizza.
- Pair with a salad: Serve the cheese pizza with a side salad to add fresh veggies and nutrients.
- Make a pizza buffet: Set up a pizza buffet with various toppings, sauces, and cheeses. This is a fun and interactive way to serve pizza, as everyone can make their own custom pizza.
- Add some sides: Serve the cheese pizza with garlic bread, breadsticks, or pasta. This will make the meal more filling and satisfying.
- Pack it to go: Cut the cheese pizza into slices and pack it into a pizza box or container. This is a convenient way to serve pizza if you are having a party or event.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Leftover cheese pizza, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pizza with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. If you have individual slices, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic. Store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, preheat it in the oven to help crisp up the crust. Place the leftover pizza directly on the oven rack or preheated stone/sheet and heat for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave by placing a slice or two on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel, and microwaving on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Make-Ahead
Prepare the pizza dough and sauce and store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This will save you time on the day of making the pizza. Pre-cook and pre-cut any meat and veggies you plan to use as toppings and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. Assemble the pizza ahead of time, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the pizza with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
When you are ready to bake the pizza, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour to warm up slightly. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the pizza according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes of baking time to account for the chilled dough.
How to Freeze
Allow the pizza to cool completely after baking. Wrap the pizza tightly in plastic or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped pizza in a large freezer-safe bag or container. Store the pizza in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat the pizza, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the pizza on a preheated pizza pan or baking sheet for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
Tips for Making The Best Cheese Pizza
- Use Good-quality ingredients: Use fresh and good-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs, high-quality cheese, and ripe tomatoes, to make the best pizza possible.
- Preheat the oven: Ensure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before baking the pizza. This will ensure that the crust cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Let the dough rest: Allow the pizza dough to rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will allow the gluten to relax and make the dough easier to shape.
- Use cornmeal: Sprinkle cornmeal onto the pizza pan or peel before the dough is placed. This will prevent the dough from sticking and add crunch to the crust.
- Don't overload the pizza: While adding a lot of toppings may be tempting, be careful not to overfill the pizza. Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent it from cooking properly.
- Brush the crust: Brushing the crust with olive oil and herbs before baking will help it to become crispy and flavorful.
- Let the pizza cool: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the cheese to set and prevent it from sliding off the pizza.
FAQ
What types of cheese are best for pizza?
Mozzarella is the most commonly used cheese for pizza, as it has a mild flavor and melts well. Other good options include provolone, fontina, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Can you make pizza without a pizza pan?
You can make the cheese pizza without a pizza pan using a baking sheet or cast-iron skillet.
How do I prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce or wet toppings to prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy. Also, preheat the oven and use a hot pizza pan or baking stone to ensure the crust cooks evenly.
Can I make pizza dough without a stand mixer?
You can make pizza dough without a stand mixer by mixing the ingredients by hand or using a food processor.
How do I make a crispy crust?
To make a crispy crust, preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 450-500°F). Use a pizza pan or baking stone preheated in the oven for at least 30 minutes. Use a minimal amount of sauce and toppings, and bake the pizza for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
How do I make the pizza healthier?
To make the cheese pizza healthier, you can use whole wheat or cauliflower pizza crust instead of traditional pizza dough. Use minimal cheese and choose healthier toppings such as veggies and lean protein. You can also use low-sodium tomato sauce or make your sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
How do I make a gluten-free pizza?
To make a gluten-free pizza, use a gluten-free pizza crust from ingredients such as rice flour, almond flour, or chickpea flour. You can also use gluten-free pizza sauce and toppings, such as veggies and meats.
How do I make a deep-dish pizza?
To make a deep-dish pizza, use a deep-dish pizza pan and press the dough into the pan, making sure to press it up the sides. Next, add a layer of cheese and the sauce and toppings. Bake the cheese pizza for around 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Pizza crust
Recipe
Easy Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 Homemade pizza dough
- ½ to ¾ cup pizza sauce , as desired
- 8 ounces sliced Munster cheese
- 1 and ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Ground basil , to taste
- Ground oregano , to taste
For Brushing:
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ¼ garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheating the oven to 450° F. In a small bowl Whisk the extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder. Set aside
- In a Lightly grease pizza pan, sprinkle cornmeal onto the bottom of your pizza pan, pat the dough out using your fingertips to 12" to 14'' in diameter or use a pin to stretch the pizza dough on a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet, lightly dusted with cornmeal then slide the pizza onto the pizza pan.
- Top the crust with the pizza sauce, then the sliced Munster cheese, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Lightly brush crust with the extra virgin olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle with basil and oregano on top of the cheese.
- Bake the cheese pizza for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is bubbling.Enjoy!
Notes
- To store: Leftover cheese pizza, let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover the pizza with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. If you have individual slices, you can place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic. Store the pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a pizza stone or baking sheet, preheat it in the oven to help crisp up the crust. Place the leftover pizza directly on the oven rack or preheated stone/sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave by placing a slice or two on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel, and microwaving on high for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.