Hand-Tossed Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian hand-tossed pizza featuring a thin crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat. Roll out 250 g of pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 10.5-inch diameter circle.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Tear 150 g of fresh mozzarella into chunks and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil over the pizza, then sprinkle 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top. Let it rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Tossed Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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 Hand-Tossed 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 Hand-Tossed 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 Hand-Tossed Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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.

Is Hand-Tossed 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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