10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza
A classic Italian pizza with a thin crust topped with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and vibrant tomato sauce, perfect for one hungry adult. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 27 minutes pairs tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, leaves fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (about 10.5 inches diameter) pizza dough
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce
- 4 oz, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven or wood-fired pizza oven to 475°F (245°C). Stretch 1 ball of pizza dough into a 10.5-inch diameter circle on a floured surface.
- Step 2: Spread 1/3 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
- Step 3: Arrange 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese if using.
- Step 4: Bake the pizza directly on a pizza stone or baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and immediately top with 8 fresh basil leaves. Drizzle 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over the pizza before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tomato sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 10.5-Inch Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.