Quick & Easy Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips

Quick, easy, and ultra cheesy, these Garlic Pizza Strips are ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for parties, game nights, or a family dinner, this recipe uses pre-made pizza dough for convenience while delivering maximum flavor. Loaded with mozzarella, Parmesan, and aromatic garlic butter, each strip is a crowd-pleasing delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for last-minute snacks or dinner.
Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for parties, game nights, or family meals.
No rising or kneading: Uses pre-made pizza dough for convenience.
Ultra cheesy: Loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan for gooey perfection.
Great for dipping: Pairs perfectly with marinara, ranch, or garlic butter.

Ingredients

1 Refrigerated pizza crust: The base of the dish, pre-made for convenience and easy handling.
2 tbsp Melted butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic flavor penetrate the dough.
2 tsp Minced garlic: Provides the classic aromatic garlic taste.
1 ½ cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Gives gooey, stretchy cheese that everyone loves.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a slight crisp when baked.
1 tsp Dried basil: Enhances flavor with a subtle herbal note.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances flavors perfectly.
Optional: Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents the cheesy strips from sticking. Preheating is crucial so that the crust starts cooking immediately, giving a golden, crispy base while the cheese melts perfectly.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic. Stir well until the garlic is evenly distributed in the butter. This aromatic mixture is the flavor foundation of your pizza strips, infusing the dough with a rich, garlicky aroma that pairs perfectly with melted cheese.

Tip: Use freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor; pre-minced garlic in jars may taste muted.
Optional enhancement: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle heat or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra herbiness.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Place your refrigerated pizza crust onto the parchment-lined surface. Using your hands or a rolling pin, gently roll the dough into a rectangle. Aim for an even thickness of about ¼ inch to ½ inch so that it bakes evenly and supports the cheese without becoming too thick or doughy.

Pro tip: Lightly flour your surface or rolling pin to prevent sticking, but don’t overdo it as too much flour can make the crust dry.
Edge care: Keep edges slightly thicker if you prefer a soft, chewy border.

4. Add Garlic Butter

Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the surface of the dough. Make sure every inch of dough is coated, as this ensures that each strip is flavorful and aromatic.

5. Sprinkle Cheese and Seasonings

Evenly sprinkle ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the dough first, followed by 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella. Then, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. This layering ensures a gooey, melty cheese base with a sharp, nutty Parmesan accent and aromatic herbal notes.

Cheese tip: Use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for a better melt and smoother texture.
Seasoning tip: Adjust salt carefully since Parmesan is already salty.

6. Cut & Bake

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into strips — but do not separate them yet. This step ensures that the strips bake together evenly and retain moisture without drying out. Carefully transfer the entire sheet to the preheated oven.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Keep an eye on the strips in the final minutes to prevent over-browning, as ovens can vary.

Tip: If your oven tends to bake unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure consistent browning.
Cheese tip: For extra gooey cheese, add a small handful of shredded mozzarella on top about 2 minutes before removing from the oven.
Edge tip: Brush the edges lightly with extra melted butter before baking for a soft, golden crust.

7. Slice & Serve

Once baked, allow the pizza strips to cool slightly — about 3–5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t stretch too much when cutting.

Re-slice along the original cuts to separate the strips. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or garlic butter. The combination of golden, crispy crust, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic is irresistible!

Serving tip: Place the strips on a large platter for parties or family gatherings. Keep them warm by covering lightly with foil.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the strips up to the point of baking, then refrigerate for a few hours. Bake fresh when needed for a quick, hot appetizer.
Storage: Store leftover strips in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving.

Extra Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Strips

Cheese variety: Mix mozzarella with provolone or a touch of cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
Herbs and spices: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or crushed red pepper for added depth.
Garlic intensity: Adjust garlic quantity to your taste. Roasted garlic can also be used for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving for color and added aroma.

In Conclusion

These Quick & Easy Cheesy Garlic Pizza Strips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining convenience, flavor, and cheesy indulgence in just 20 minutes. Perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners, they offer a golden, crispy crust, melted gooey cheese, and rich garlic aroma that everyone will love.

Using pre-made pizza dough means no kneading or waiting for rising, making this recipe accessible for beginners and a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The garlic butter infuses the crust with aromatic richness while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan ensures a perfect balance of gooey meltiness and sharp, nutty flavor. A sprinkle of dried basil adds an extra layer of taste and visual appeal.

Advanced Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Strips

Customize cheese blends: Try mixing mozzarella with fontina, gouda, or provolone to create a gourmet flavor profile that stands out.
Boost garlic flavor: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, deeper flavor or add a pinch of garlic powder for extra intensity.
Herbal enhancements: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, oregano, or thyme sprinkled after baking add freshness, aroma, and visual appeal.
Maintain crispiness: Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven instead of a microwave. This keeps the crust golden and the cheese melty without sogginess.
Creative dips: Pair with homemade garlic butter, creamy ranch, spicy marinara, or even a cheese sauce for variety.
Meal prep hack: Prepare the strips up to the baking step, refrigerate for up to 4 hours, and bake fresh when needed. Perfect for entertaining without last-minute stress.
Portion control: Slice the strips into smaller bite-size pieces for parties or larger strips for hearty snacking. Adjustable to your audience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot directly from the oven for maximum cheesy pull and crunch.
Arrange on a large platter with small bowls of marinara, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.
Pair with a fresh salad or soup for a full meal experience.

Enjoy these golden, cheesy, garlicky delights with friends and family — a quick recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort!