Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

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

A personal-sized 10.5-inch thin-crust pizza topped with a zesty homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a hint of chili. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes blends pizza dough ball (10.5-inch size), canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, then remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: On a floured surface, stretch and roll the pizza dough ball into a 10.5-inch thin circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or flat baking sheet dusted with 1 tbsp cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  5. Step 5: Spread the prepared spicy tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
  6. Step 6: Arrange 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top.
  7. Step 7: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and scatter 6 fresh basil leaves over the top before slicing and serving hot.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

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 Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella 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 Individual Thin-Crust Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella 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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