Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust

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

A classic Italian Margherita pizza made on a half-size thin crust, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and a simple tomato sauce. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 27 minutes pairs (half of 12 oz dough) pizza dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, sliced 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 with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 6 oz of pizza dough on a floured surface into a 10-inch thin circle.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread 1/3 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 tsp salt over the cheese and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil across the pizza.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza with the parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven and immediately scatter 8 fresh basil leaves on top. Optionally sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust 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 Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust?

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 Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust?

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 Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust 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 Margherita Pizza on Thin Crust?

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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