Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian pizza featuring a hand-tossed thin crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 87 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir and knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and divide into two balls. Roll one ball into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
  5. Step 5: Spread 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, then scatter 2 minced garlic cloves and 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella on top.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is crisp and cheese is bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove pizza and immediately top with 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 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 Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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 Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Hand-Tossed Italian Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil?

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.

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