- Cuisine Italian
- Course Main
- Prep 30 min
- Cook 25 min
- Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb organic whole wheat pizza dough or homemade equivalent
- 1/2 cup organic tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (or 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Clean swaps
How we upgrade the restaurant version with better ingredients.
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Shop the clean pantry
Reorder the shelf-stable staples for this recipe.
What you'll need
- Cast iron skillet — Sears better than any non-stick; naturally non-stick once seasoned.
- Enameled Dutch oven — For braises, roasts, and one-pot mains.
- Instant-read thermometer — The only reliable way to nail doneness without guessing.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Coat the bottom and sides of a 9-inch cake pan or cast-iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil — the generously oiled pan is what gives pan pizza its signature crispy, fried bottom crust.
- Press the dough evenly into the oiled pan, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes until puffy — this rest gives the crust its thick, airy pan-pizza texture.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, and brush it gently over the dough.
- Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Top with the mozzarella, taking the cheese all the way to the edge of the pan for the signature caramelized cheese crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until the crust is deep golden, the bottom is crisp, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top, and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
FAQ
Can I substitute garlic powder for minced garlic?
While you can, using fresh-minced garlic in the recipe will give it a more authentic and robust flavor.
Is there an alternative to olive oil if I'm avoiding it?
Yes, you could use another clean oil like avocado or coconut oil as a substitute.
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