Description
This Sheet Pan Pizza with Basil and Tomatoes is a hassle-free, flavor-packed dish featuring a crispy crust topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers minimal cleanup and maximum taste in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough (enough to cover a sheet pan)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic powder to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, sliced (choose ripe, juicy varieties)
- 2 cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C), the ideal temperature to crisp the crust without drying the toppings.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough onto a generously oiled sheet pan to prevent sticking and encourage a golden, crispy base.
- Add Olive Oil and Garlic: Brush the dough evenly with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic or garlic powder over it, infusing the crust with aroma and flavor.
- Layer Tomatoes and Cheese: Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly across the dough, then scatter shredded or sliced mozzarella on top to create a creamy, melty layer.
- Bake Until Crisp and Bubbling: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Add Fresh Basil and Season: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature dough for easier stretching and even baking.
- Don’t overload the toppings to avoid a soggy crust from excess moisture.
- Opt for high-quality olive oil for better flavor and crispness.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and delicate flavor.
- Preheat your sheet pan for an extra crispy crust bottom.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg