Garlic Pizza Bread Recipe

This Garlic Pizza Bread is the ultimate comfort food, combining a crisp yet pillowy pizza base with the richness of garlic butter, gooey melted mozzarella, and fresh thyme.

It’s easy to make and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or serve alongside your favorite pasta dish for a winning combination!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, garlicky goodness:

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp instant yeast, 1 packet
• 1 ½ cups warm water, around 110°F
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the garlic butter topping:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella, or fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, or substitute with parsley if desired

Instructions

Let’s bring this delicious pizza bread to life:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until the dough comes together.
2. Knead the Dough:
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5–6 minutes.
3. Let the Dough Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
5. Make the Garlic Butter:
   While the oven preheats, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, salt, oregano, and olive oil in a small bowl.
6. Shape the Dough:
   Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle or oval about ¼-inch thick. Place one portion onto parchment paper for easy transfer.
7. Assemble the Pizza Bread:
   Brush the garlic butter generously over the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Bake:
   Carefully transfer the pizza bread (on the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
9. Garnish:
   Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy it on its own!

Tweaks and Additions

Here’s how to make this pizza bread even more exciting:

• Add Heat
  Sprinkle red chili flakes on top for a spicy kick.
• Herb Swap
  Use rosemary or basil instead of thyme for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese Lovers
  Add a mix of cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda for extra indulgence.
• Vegan Option
  Use vegan cheese and plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

This Garlic Pizza Bread with Mozzarella and Thyme is a showstopper every time. Perfectly crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—it’s hard to stop at just one slice. Let me know how yours turns out!