Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza
A classic pizza with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and buffalo mozzarella, made with a simple dough and quick bake. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs ball (250g) pizza dough, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, leaves, torn fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 ball (250g) pizza dough
- 120g, crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 leaves, torn fresh basil
- 100g, drained buffalo mozzarella
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 250°C (480°F) with a pizza stone on the middle rack for 45 minutes. Gently stretch dough into a 10-inch circle on a floured peel.
- Step 2: Spread 120g crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle 1 pinch sea salt over tomatoes and top with 100g drained buffalo mozzarella.
- Step 3: Bake directly on stone for 8-10 minutes until crust edges are charred and cheese melts. Remove, scatter 4 torn basil leaves, and drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza?
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 ball (250g) pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza?
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 Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Neapolitan-Style Tomato and Basil Pizza 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
As a Chinese chef, I was skeptical but this recipe exceeded my expectations. The simplicity of the ingredients really lets the flavors shine.
- ★★★★★
This pizza was absolutely perfect! The basil and tomatoes were fresh, and the crust was just right. My family loved it.
- ★★★★☆
Took a bit longer to get the crust crispy than expected, but the flavor was worth it.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
