Garlic Herb Crust Pizza from Hungry Howie's features a golden, garlic-infused herb crust topped with melted mozzarella cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a blend of savory seasonings, delivering a flavorful and aromatic pizza experience.
Equipments
- Pizza oven
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush
- Cheese grater
- Ladle
- Pizza cutter
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Use fresh garlic cloves to maximize the garlic flavor in the herb crust, as garlic powder alone won't provide the same depth of aroma. Dried Italian herbs and parsley are essential for replicating the authentic savory blend found in Hungry Howie's Garlic Herb Crust Pizza. Olive oil should be high quality to help create a golden, crispy crust while enhancing the herb infusion. Measuring ingredients precisely ensures the right balance of seasoning and moisture, crucial for achieving the perfect pizza texture. Your homemade Garlic Herb Crust Pizza will closely mimic Hungry Howie's signature taste when these ingredient tips are followed carefully.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat pizza oven to 475°F (245°C) with pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
- Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness and shape.
- Transfer dough onto a pizza peel sprinkled with a little flour or cornmeal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the herb-garlic olive oil mixture around the edge of the dough to form the garlic herb crust.
- Use a ladle to spread pizza sauce evenly over the center of the dough, leaving the crust edges uncovered.
- Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Transfer pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is golden brown.
- Remove pizza with pizza peel and let cool slightly.
- Slice with pizza cutter and serve.
Substitution
Garlic Herb Crust Pizza from Hungry Howie's copycat menu can be customized by substituting dried Italian herbs with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme if preferred. Your pizza crust can be brushed with garlic-infused olive oil made from fresh garlic for a more intense flavor. If you don't have a pizza oven, a preheated pizza stone on a regular oven provides a similar crispy crust effect. You can swap mozzarella with a blend of provolone and cheddar cheese for an alternative cheesy taste. Keep in mind that using fresh herbs may require adjusting the quantity to avoid overpowering the garlic seasoning.
Tips
Ensure your pizza stone or baking sheet is fully preheated to 475degF (245degC) to achieve a crispy, golden crust. Use a light dusting of flour or cornmeal on your pizza peel to prevent the dough from sticking when transferring it to the oven. Brush the herb-garlic oil mixture generously around the crust edges to create that signature flavorful Garlic Herb Crust. Let your pizza rest briefly after baking to avoid burning your mouth and help the cheese set for clean slices when cutting.
Nutritions
Garlic Herb Crust Pizza from Hungry Howie's provides a good source of protein and calcium from the melted mozzarella cheese, which supports muscle repair and bone health. The olive oil used in the crust brush adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as vitamin E. Garlic and Italian herbs contribute bioactive compounds that may support immune function and reduce inflammation. Your meal delivers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins that fuel energy and promote overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover Garlic Herb Crust Pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate the pizza for up to 3-4 days to ensure safe consumption while preserving flavor and texture. When reheating, use a preheated oven or a toaster oven to restore the crust's crispiness and melted cheese quality for the best taste experience.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try substituting fresh rosemary or thyme for the dried Italian herbs to add a more aromatic and fresh flavor profile to the garlic herb crust. Using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in the olive oil mixture will intensify the garlic aroma and give a more robust taste. For a crispier crust, consider par-baking the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings. Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese to create a richer, more complex cheese blend on your pizza.
Allergies
The Garlic Herb Crust Pizza from Hungry Howie's contains common allergens such as wheat in the pizza dough and dairy in the mozzarella cheese. Your garlic sensitivity or allergy should also be considered, as the crust and seasoning blend include fresh garlic, garlic powder, and olive oil infused with garlic flavor. Always check ingredient labels and consult with restaurant staff to ensure the meal meets your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
Garlic Herb Crust Pizza from Hungry Howie's is popular for its unique garlic-infused buttery crust, which adds a savory and aromatic flavor that enhances every bite. The combination of fresh herbs and rich buttery texture provides a distinctive taste not typically found in standard pizza menus. Your taste buds will appreciate the perfect balance of garlic and herbs that complement the high-quality cheese and toppings. Making a copycat version at home is worth trying to recreate this flavorful experience with customizable ingredients tailored to your preferences.