Quick & Easy Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that combines the gooey goodness of cheese, the rich aroma of garlic, and the crispy bite of pizza crust — then these Quick & Easy Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips are about to become your new obsession. Perfect as a party appetizer, movie-night snack, or side dish for pasta and salads, this recipe takes everything you love about classic pizza and turns it into an irresistibly cheesy, garlicky pull-apart delight that everyone will devour in minutes.
Unlike traditional pizza that requires time for sauce and toppings, these garlic pizza strips focus on pure, melty simplicity — golden crust, bubbling cheese, and garlic butter perfection in every bite.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought): The foundation of the recipe. It gives structure, chewiness, and that classic pizzeria flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Creates the luscious garlic butter base that soaks into the dough and adds richness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): The star ingredient! Garlic infuses every inch of the bread with savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps crisp up the crust beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A balanced mix of oregano, basil, and thyme that elevates the flavor to gourmet status.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring the dough and cheese taste perfectly seasoned.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that dreamy, stretchy layer that defines every great cheesy bite.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Roll out your pizza dough into a large rectangle or circle, about ¼-inch thick. The thinner the dough, the crispier your strips will be.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir well until fully blended. This mixture will coat the dough with flavor and help achieve that golden sheen once baked.
Step 3: Brush & Layer
Brush the garlic butter generously over the entire surface of the dough. Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges — this ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by Parmesan cheese for that perfect cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the crust turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it near the end to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Slice & Garnish
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 2–3 minutes. Use a sharp pizza cutter to slice the pizza into strips — about 1 to 1½ inches wide. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
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Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
These Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips strike the perfect balance between crunchy and gooey, buttery and garlicky, making them absolutely addictive. They’re quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and crowd-pleasing — ideal for any occasion. Plus, there’s no need for sauce or toppings — the flavor-packed garlic butter and melty cheese do all the heavy lifting.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use fresh garlic, not powder — it makes a huge difference in aroma and depth of flavor.
- Let the dough rest for 10 minutes before baking if it’s been refrigerated; this ensures a soft interior and crisp crust.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a touch of red pepper flakes or drizzle honey before serving for a sweet-spicy twist.
- Want it extra crispy? Bake directly on a pizza stone for that pizzeria-style finish.
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Serving Suggestions
- With Marinara Sauce: Serve with a side of warm marinara or pizza sauce for dipping — a match made in heaven.
- Alongside Pasta: Pair these strips with creamy fettuccine Alfredo or spaghetti for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
- As a Snack Platter: Combine them with mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, or a salad for a fun party spread.
- With Soup: Dip them into tomato soup or creamy broccoli soup for cozy comfort food bliss.
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Conclusion: Irresistibly Simple & Delicious
These Quick & Easy Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips prove that sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the biggest rewards. In just a few steps, you can whip up a restaurant-quality snack that’s hot, cheesy, and full of garlicky goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or unexpected guests, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
So next time you’re craving something indulgent yet effortless, skip the delivery — make these cheesy garlic pizza strips instead. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re impossible to resist!