Mama Rachel’s Mediterranean Pizza

Total Time

Prep: 35 min. + rising Bake: 20 min.

Makes

2 pizzas (6 servings each)

Updated: Jun. 28, 2023
Pizza has been a regular weekend dinner at our house since my pizza-crazy boys, now 21 and 25, were just little guys. We laughingly call pizza an art form around here. Every one is an original! —Rachel Barton, Austin, Texas
Mama Rachel's Mediterranean Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2-1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • TOPPINGS:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 6 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, oil, salt and 1 cup flour; beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a stiff dough.
  2. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead for 6-8 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°. Grease two 12-in. pizza pans; sprinkle with cornmeal. Punch down dough; divide in half. Press to fit pans. Pinch edges to form a rim. Cover; let rest 10 minutes. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
  4. Increase oven setting to 450°. Brush the crusts with oil; top with garlic, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, olives and Parmesan cheese. Bake 10-12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted. Sprinkle pizza with pepper flakes and basil.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 216 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat.