Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for pizza (usually around 475°F or 245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.

Prepare the Pizza Dough

• Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into your desired thickness. If you're using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper.

Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

• In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Spread the Ricotta Mixture

• Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.

Layer the Mozzarella

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pizza.

Season to Taste

• Season with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Bake and Garnish

• Transfer the pizza (on the parchment paper if using a stone) to the preheated oven or onto a pizza stone if you have one. Bake until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned, typically around 12-15 minutes.

Final Touch

• Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.