Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced banana peppers, drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. This is your garlic oil base.
- Stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and shape. Place it on a baking sheet or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Brush the garlic oil evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic oil base.
- Arrange the sliced banana peppers on top of the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place the baking sheet in the oven). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
For a spicier pizza, add more red pepper flakes or use hot banana peppers. You can also add other toppings such as cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or mushrooms. Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave. For a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on the pizza stone or baking steel. You can substitute the mozzarella with provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
