Shelly's Recipe

Pizzamakers Cheese Appetizer

Category: Cheese

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 cup green olives, pits removed (cut in half if large)
1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves (medium packed)
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 1/4 pounds (5 pieces) ovoline mozzarella (egg-shaped mozzarella balls), cut into 1/2-inch slices (see note)
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt, or to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 loaf good-quality bread, sliced and toasted


Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In a medium saucepot, heat half the olive oil. Add garlic and crushed red pepper and cook until fragrant, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed tomato and mix well. Transfer mixture to a 13-by-9-inch baking or gratin dish. Add olives, oregano and cherry tomatoes; stir to combine equally.

Equally distribute the fresh mozzarella slices over top of tomato sauce and other ingredients. Sprinkle whole dish with sea salt and black pepper, then bake in preheated oven until bubbly and cheese begins to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. When finished, drizzle with remaining olive oil. Serve with toasted bread.

Note: For this dish, a good-quality mozzarella must be used. Do not substitute prepackaged sliced fresh mozzarella.