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

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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.

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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