Delicious Garlic Flatbread Pizza

If you ask me, flatbread pizza is one of those magical shortcuts that just makes sense.

This quick and easy take on pizza starts with soft, warm flatbread that gets topped with plenty of garlic, cheese, and whatever toppings you’re craving. The edges get perfectly crispy while the center stays nice and tender.

It’s ready in half the time of traditional pizza, and you can make it right on a sheet pan – no pizza stone needed. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil at the end makes it feel special.

It’s the kind of casual meal that works for busy weeknights but still feels like a treat, especially when shared with friends and family.

What Kind of Pizza Dough Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for refrigerated pizza dough from the store, you’ve got several options to work with. The tubes of refrigerated dough (usually found near the canned biscuits) offer great convenience and consistent results, but you can also use fresh dough from your grocery store’s deli section. Most major supermarkets keep balls of fresh pizza dough in their refrigerated section, which can give you a more authentic pizzeria-style texture. If you’re using refrigerated tube dough, just make sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before working with it – this makes it much easier to stretch without tearing. And here’s a handy tip: if the dough keeps springing back while you’re trying to shape it, let it rest for an additional 5 minutes to relax the gluten.

Options for Substitutions

This easy pizza recipe can be adapted with several ingredient swaps if needed:

• Refrigerated pizza dough: Out of store-bought dough? You can use homemade pizza dough, flatbread, naan, or even pita bread as your base. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of your substitute.
• Fresh garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or 3 teaspoons of pre-minced garlic from a jar. The flavor won’t be quite as fresh, but it’ll still be tasty!
• Fresh basil: No fresh basil? Use 1 teaspoon dried basil instead, or try other fresh herbs like oregano or Italian parsley.
• Cheese blend: The cheese mix is pretty flexible here. You can use all cheddar, or try mozzarella instead. If you can’t find Romano, just use extra Parmesan. The key is to keep the total amount of cheese about the same.
• Butter: Olive oil works great as a substitute for melted butter – use the same amount. You could even try garlic-infused olive oil and reduce the amount of fresh garlic.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making garlic flatbread pizza is rolling out cold dough, which can spring back and become difficult to work with – let your refrigerated dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting. When it comes to the garlic, avoid burning it by mixing it with the melted butter first and spreading this mixture on the dough after it’s partially baked, otherwise you’ll end up with bitter, charred garlic that ruins the whole pizza. Another common mistake is overloading the flatbread with cheese right from the start – instead, add the cheese during the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect melty texture without burning. For the crispiest crust, pre-bake your flatbread for 5-7 minutes before adding any toppings, and make sure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F (220°C) before you start baking.

What to Serve With Garlic Flatbread Pizza?

This cheesy garlic flatbread pizza pairs perfectly with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice – the peppery greens help balance out all that wonderful cheese and garlic. If you’re feeding a crowd, I like to serve it alongside some marinara sauce for dipping (because who doesn’t love extra sauce?). For a complete meal, add a bowl of Italian-style soup like minestrone or a light tomato soup, which complements the garlicky, cheesy flavors without being too heavy. You could also toss together a quick Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing to round out your pizza night.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Got leftover garlic flatbread pizza? No problem! Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, though it’s usually at its best within the first 2 days.

Freeze: This cheesy flatbread freezes really well. Just wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and stick them in the freezer for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need a quick meal!

Reheat: To bring back that fresh-baked taste, pop your flatbread in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until it’s warm and the cheese starts to melt again. You can also use a toaster oven, which works great for smaller portions. I’d skip the microwave – it tends to make the crust a bit soggy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-12 minutes
Total Time	20-27 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1500-1700
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 100-110 g
• Carbohydrates: 120-130 g

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough

For the garlic butter spread:

• 1/4 cup melted butter (unsalted preferred for better control over sodium)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (adds a brighter, herbaceous note)
• 6 minced garlic cloves

For the cheese topping:

• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for superior flavor)
• 1/2 cup grated romano cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet and Dough

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Take your dough and press it evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

Step 2: Mix and Apply the Topping

In a small bowl, combine your butter, garlic, and basil.

Mix them together until they’re well blended.

Drizzle this flavorful mixture evenly over the pressed dough, ensuring even distribution for full flavor coverage.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle a generous amount of Cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses over the dough.

Make sure the cheeses are spread evenly for a consistent cheesy texture.

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are crisp and the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Once baked to perfection, remove the sheet from the oven and allow it a minute to cool slightly.

Cut the cheesy garlic bread into 12 squares.

Serve warm for the best taste and enjoy the crisp, gooey deliciousness!