Cheesy Crust Margherita Pizza with a Twist
This pizza combines a savory blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and a special crust that incorporates eggs and cheese for extra flavor. Topped with a subtle amount of pizza sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it’s the perfect pizza for any time of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pizza or something with a little extra zest, this “Cheesy Crust Margherita Pizza with a Twist” is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that will wow your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour (or flour of choice, or gluten-free flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a garlic-kick)
For the Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon pizza sauce (use more if you like extra sauce)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside the oven while it preheats to ensure the crust cooks evenly and becomes crisp.
2. Prepare the Cheesy Crust:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and the egg. Microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or until the cheese softens and begins to melt. Stir the mixture well to combine.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, almond flour, salt, and garlic powder (if using) to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until you have a dough-like consistency. You may need to knead it a little with your hands to get it fully incorporated.
- Once your dough comes together, place it on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or pizza stone. Use your hands to gently press and shape it into a round or oval pizza shape, about 10-12 inches in diameter. If the dough feels too sticky, you can dust it lightly with a bit more flour.
3. Par-Bake the Crust:
- Place the prepared crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and firm to the touch. This step ensures that your crust gets a solid base before adding toppings. Remove from the oven.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Spread a scant tablespoon (or more, depending on preference) of pizza sauce evenly over the top of the par-baked crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella on top of the pizza, distributing it evenly across the surface.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on the pizza towards the end to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the pizza is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza for extra flavor and shine.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of spice.
7. Slice and Enjoy:
- Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the pizza into 8 slices. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Pizza:
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it’s too wet, add a little more almond flour until it reaches the right consistency.
- Pizza Sauce: You don’t need much sauce, as a light layer allows the cheesy crust and toppings to shine. If you prefer a saucy pizza, feel free to add more.
- Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite toppings—mushrooms, olives, peppers, or pepperoni all work great on this base.
- Crispiness: If you want an extra-crispy crust, after par-baking, increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the final baking phase.
- Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
- Calories: 350-400 kcal (depending on the exact portion size and toppings used)
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 10-12g (if using almond flour)
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g (using almond flour)
This Cheesy Crust Margherita Pizza with a Twist brings together the richness of mozzarella, the crunch of the Parmesan-infused crust, and the freshness of basil for a delightful bite. It’s a fun, flavorful twist on a classic pizza that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re hosting a pizza night or just treating yourself, this pizza will never disappoint. Enjoy!