Pizza de Queso (cheese pizza) is a classic Italian-American dish featuring a soft dough base, savory tomato sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese, usually mozzarella, often combined with Parmesan or provolone.
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It's a simple, crowd-pleasing favorite that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for other toppings.
This Pizza de queso recipe makes a golden, bubbly cheese pizza with perfectly melted cheeses and a flavorful crust, brushed with a touch of olive oil and herbs for extra aroma.
It's easy to prepare at home and perfect for family meals, quick dinners, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need
Note: Full ingredients and amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
- Homemade Pizza dough: The base of the pizza, providing structure with a soft, chewy interior and crisp edges when baked hot.
- Homemade Pizza sauce: Adds classic tomato flavor and moisture; use more or less depending on how saucy you like your pizza.
- Munster cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a rich, mild creaminess that sets this cheese pizza apart.
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates that classic stretchy, bubbly cheese layer everyone expects on a pizza.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that boosts overall flavor.
- Dried basil and oregano: Bring a subtle herbal aroma that complements the cheese and sauce.
- Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing): Helps the crust bake up golden and flavorful while adding a light herb-infused finish.
How to Make Pizza de Queso
Note: Full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Lightly grease a pizza pan and sprinkle cornmeal evenly over the bottom.
- Place the dough on the pan and press it out with your fingertips into a 12-14-inch round. You can also use a rolling pin to stretch the dough on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet.
- Lightly dust the dough with cornmeal, then slide or transfer it onto the prepared pizza pan.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
- Arrange the sliced Munster cheese on top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Lightly brush the exposed crust with the olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle basil and oregano over the cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Hint: Preheat the oven fully before baking to ensure a crisp crust and even cheese melting. If using a pizza stone or steel, let it heat in the oven for at least 20-30 minutes for best results.
Storage, Make Ahead, & Freezing
Storage: Let leftover cheese pizza cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or skillet to keep the crust crisp.
Make Ahead: The pizza dough and olive oil mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping.
Freezing: Baked pizza slices or an unbaked, shaped crust can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Bake frozen slices directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Camila's Tips & Variations
- Soggy crust: Use less sauce and spread it thinly, leaving a ½-inch border so the crust bakes up crisp.
- Cheese not melting evenly: Layer sliced Munster first, then shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for balanced melt and coverage.
- Pale crust: Brush the edges generously with the olive oil mixture to promote browning and flavor.
- Too soft base: Preheat the oven fully and bake on the lower rack so the bottom sets before the cheese overbrowns.
- Flavor variation: Swap Munster for provolone or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat without overpowering the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my pizza dough shrink back after stretching?
The gluten was too tight; let the dough rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before shaping.
Why is the bottom of my cheese pizza not browning?
The pan or oven wasn't hot enough; preheat fully and place the pizza on the lower rack for better heat contact.
What happens if I overload the pizza with cheese?
Too much cheese traps steam and prevents proper baking; use balanced layers so the crust cooks through.
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Recipe
Cheese Pizza
Ingredients
- 1 Homemade pizza dough
- ½ to ¾ cup Homemade pizza sauce , as desired
- 8 ounces sliced Munster cheese
- 1 and ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- 3 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Ground basil , to taste
- Ground oregano , to taste
For Brushing:
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- ¼ garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, oregano, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Lightly grease a pizza pan and sprinkle cornmeal evenly over the bottom.
- Place the dough on the pan and press it out with your fingertips into a 12-14-inch round. You can also use a rolling pin to stretch the dough on a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet.
- Lightly dust the dough with cornmeal, then slide or transfer it onto the prepared pizza pan.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust.
- Arrange the sliced Munster cheese on top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
- Lightly brush the exposed crust with the olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle basil and oregano over the cheese.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.
