Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Neapolitan-style pizza with a puffy, flame-blackened crust, topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 29 minutes pairs pizza dough, san marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 9 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least 45 minutes to mimic a brick oven's high heat.
  2. Step 2: Stretch 300 g of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, ensuring the edges are slightly thicker to create a puffy crust.
  3. Step 3: Crush 150 g of San Marzano tomatoes by hand and spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
  4. Step 4: Tear 125 g of fresh mozzarella into small chunks and distribute evenly on top of the tomato sauce.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of sea salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper over the pizza, then drizzle 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is puffed, lightly charred, and the cheese bubbles.
  7. Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 10 fresh basil leaves over the top, allowing the residual heat to release their aroma before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 29 minutes (20 min prep + 9 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 Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Brick Oven Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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