Garlic and Zucchini Pizza

Ingredients

• Pizza dough (1 batch (store-bought or homemade))
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Zucchini (2 medium, thinly sliced)
• Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded)
• Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (optional) (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness, about 12 inches in diameter for a classic pizza.
3. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.
4. Brush the surface of the dough generously with olive oil, ensuring even coverage.
5. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic over the dough, allowing its aroma to infuse the crust.
6. Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini over the garlic, overlapping slightly for a beautiful presentation.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the zucchini, ensuring coverage for a gooey texture.
8. Season with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste, enhancing the dish's flavor profile.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before slicing and serving.