Cheese (personal Size) Recipe

Bring dough to room temperature

Remove the personal-size dough from the refrigerator and let it sit, covered, at room temperature for 30–45 minutes so it becomes pliable. If using fresh dough, let it rest 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using a baking sheet, invert it and preheat the sheet in the oven for a crisper bottom.

Lightly flour a work surface with the reserved all-purpose flour. Press the dough into a flattened disk with your fingers, then use your palms and knuckles or a rolling pin to stretch or roll the dough into a 9–10 inch (23–25 cm) round, leaving a slightly thicker rim for the crust. Transfer the stretched dough to a piece of parchment paper or a well-floured peel/baking sheet.

If you prefer a slightly crispy rim, gently brush the exposed rim with 1 tsp olive oil.

In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce (4 tbs), 1 tsp olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Using the back of a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of the sauce over the stretched dough, leaving the outer crust free (about 1/2 inch rim). Use all the sauce or slightly less depending on how saucy you like your pizza.

Distribute the shredded or sliced mozzarella evenly over the sauced dough so the cheese layer is uniform. Sprinkle the grated parmesan evenly on top.

If using red pepper flakes, sprinkle 1/4 tsp evenly over the cheese. Lightly brush the outer crust with the reserved 1 tsp olive oil to encourage browning.

Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment or peel) to the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Baking time will vary by oven and thickness of dough — check at 8 minutes.

Remove the pizza from the oven and let rest 2 minutes. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top if using. Slice and serve immediately.