Fresh Basil Cheese Lovers Pizza Recipes

PIZZA WITH FRESH TOMATOES AND BASIL

Steps:

• Position 1 oven rack in the center and the second rack on the bottom of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Sprinkle the cornmeal over 2 rimless baking sheets. Roll out each piece of Pizza Dough into a 10 to 11-inch-diameter round. Transfer 1 dough to each prepared baking sheet.
• Drizzle 2 teaspoons of oil over each Pizza Dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the Pizza Dough, dividing equaling and leaving a 1-inch border around each pizza. Arrange the tomato slices in a single layer over the cheese. Sprinkle with the Parmesan. Arrange basil leaves on top, drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle garlic all over. Bake the pizzas until the crusts are crisp and brown on the bottom and the cheese is melted on top, about 15 minutes. Drizzle 1 teaspoon of oil over each pizza. Sprinkle with basil for garnish and salt. Cut the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
• Mix the warm water and yeast in a small bowl to blend. Let stand until the yeast dissolves, about 5 minutes. Mix the flour and salt in a food processor to blend. Blend in the oil. With the machine running, add the yeast mixture and blend just until the dough forms. Turn the dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer the dough to a large oiled bowl and turn the dough to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm draft-free area until the dough doubles in volume, about 1 hour. Punch the down dough and divide into 2 equal balls. (The dough can be used immediately or stored airtight in the refrigerator for 1 day.)

FRESH TOMATO, BASIL, AND CHEESE PIZZA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
• Place pizza crush on a baking sheet.
• Brush crust with olive oil.
• Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, leaving a 1/2-inch border around edge of crust.
• Arrange tomato slices over cheese, overlapping edges; top with garlic slices, 1/4 cup cheese, salt and pepper.
• Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until crust is golden.
• Remove pizza to a cutting board, and top with fresh basil leaves.
• Let stand 5 minutes.
• Cut into 12 squares.

BASIL GOAT CHEESE PIZZA

Steps:

• Allow dough to rise in a covered bowl until doubled in bulk.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
• Roll the dough on a floured surface into a 15-inch circle. Roll the edges towards the center to form a crust, leaving a 12-inch circle. Brush the entire crust generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, 1 sprig of chopped basil, and rosemary. Bake in preheated oven until the crust begins to turn golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Spread the crust with tomato sauce. Sprinkle with 2 sprigs of chopped basil and goat cheese. Bake in preheated oven until the crust is brown, and the pizza has heated through, about 8 more minutes.