Elevate your pizza night with this Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake with Cheesy Garlic-Butter Swirl – a visually stunning and irresistibly cozy creation that takes comfort food to new heights. Imagine a luscious, golden-brown pizza dough studded with pockets of melty mozzarella, all drizzled with a decadent, garlicky butter swirl. It’s the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance dish that’s sure to inspire and delight.
Why You’ll Love This Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake with Cheesy Garlic-Butter Swirl
Prepare to be wowed by this visually stunning and flavor-packed pizza dough bake. The combination of the chewy, golden-brown pizza crust, the pockets of gooey mozzarella, and the irresistible garlic-butter swirl creates a cozy, comforting dish that’s also elevated and gourmet. It’s the perfect balance of approachable familiarity and refined elegance – a dish that will leave your taste buds and your heart equally satisfied.
Ingredients
This pizza dough bake requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly gourmet dish. You’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt, mozzarella cheese, butter, garlic, and a few seasonings to make the garlic-butter swirl.
- 3 cups (375g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – Active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (295ml) – Warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) – Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – Kosher salt
- 8 ounces (225g) – Mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup (115g) – Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves (15g) – Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) – Dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) – Red pepper flakes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-free: Substitute vegan cheese for the mozzarella to make this dish dairy-free.
How to Make Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake with Cheesy Garlic-Butter Swirl
This pizza dough bake comes together in just a few simple steps, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors of this gourmet creation with minimal effort.
Step 1 — Prepare the Pizza Dough
Begin by preparing the pizza dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt, and knead until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover and let rise for about an hour.
Step 2 — Assemble the Bake
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles. Spread the dough into a greased baking dish and top with cubes of mozzarella cheese. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, then drizzle the garlic-butter mixture over the top of the pizza dough.
Step 3 — Bake the Pizza Dough Bake
Bake the pizza dough bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Extra Cheesy: For an even cheesier twist, try adding grated Parmesan or Asiago cheese to the garlic-butter mixture.
- Cheese Blends: Experiment with different cheese combinations, like a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- Garnish for Flair: To make this dish even more visually stunning, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Spice It Up: For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the garlic-butter mixture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the pizza dough bake in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pizza dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it, then assemble and bake the dish when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake is a comfort food classic with a refined, gourmet twist. Each serving provides a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome and nourishing meal option.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the bake
- Calories: 369 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 619 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pizza dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it. When ready to assemble and bake the dish, simply thaw the dough (if frozen) and continue with the recipe.
Can I use a store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! Using a high-quality store-bought pizza dough is a great time-saving option. Simply follow the instructions for assembling and baking the dish.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
For an extra kick of heat, try adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic-butter mixture. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes used.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover pizza dough bake. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
What should I serve with this pizza dough bake?
This Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Try These Next
- Giant Cheese Stuffed Garlic Butter Pizza Dough Bomb
- Crispy Mozzarella Stuffed Garlic Butter Pizza Rolls
- Garlic Butter Cheddar Crust Sheet Pan Chicken Bites With Smoky Bacon
Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Firecracker Mozzarella Pizza Dough Bake is a deliciously cheesy dish with a spicy kick, perfect for dinner gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
2. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Roll out the dough and place it in a greased baking dish.
7. Spread marinara sauce over the dough, then sprinkle with mozzarella and red pepper flakes.
8. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, then drizzle over the cheese.
9. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes.
Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg