Little Nero's Classic Cheese Pizza

A cheesy pizza recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a fun family dinner. With a crispy crust and gooey melted cheese, it’s a simple crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

Tips For Perfect Results

Use a pizza stone or baking steel to get a crispier crust.
Preheat your oven thoroughly to ensure even cooking.
Let the dough rest at room temperature before shaping to prevent shrinking.

Ingredients 0/5

1 (16 ounce) package prepared pizza dough cornmeal, or as needed 1 cup marinara sauce 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese ½ cup shredded fresh basil

Reasons You'll Love It

This pizza is a timeless favorite because of its rich, gooey cheese and perfectly crispy crust. It brings comfort and joy with every bite, making it a great choice for any meal or gathering.

Directions

Heat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet on the middle rack to get nice and hot. While the oven is heating, take the dough out and let it sit covered on the counter until it warms up to room temperature. Lightly sprinkle some cornmeal on a pizza peel or another inverted baking sheet to keep the dough from sticking. Roll out the dough into a roughly 16-inch circle right on top of the cornmeal. Spread a good layer of marinara sauce over the dough, then sprinkle on the mozzarella, Gouda, Jarlsberg, Parmesan, and some fresh basil. Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake it for about 14 to 16 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly to your liking. Once it’s done, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting it into six slices and serving.

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people cooked this recipe

By David Brown

David shares approachable recipes, helpful cooking tips, and simple meal ideas.

Serving Options To Try

Serve with a fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread to balance the richness. A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh basil can add a nice finishing touch.

How To Store For Later

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy instead of using a microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of prepared dough?

Yes, homemade dough works great. Just make sure it’s rested and at room temperature before rolling out.

What can I use if I don’t have a pizza stone?

An inverted baking sheet works well as a substitute to help create a crispy crust.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out?

Lightly sprinkle cornmeal on your work surface or baking sheet before rolling out the dough.

Can I add other toppings besides cheese and basil?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite toppings, but keep in mind it may affect baking time.

How do I know when the pizza is fully cooked?

The crust should be golden brown and the cheese bubbly and slightly browned.

Is it okay to bake the pizza at a temperature lower than 450°F?

Higher heat helps create a crisp crust and melty cheese; baking at lower temperatures may result in a softer crust.

Can I prepare the pizza ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble it and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

How do I store leftover pizza?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave within 2-3 days.