Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza
A classic Italian pizza featuring fresh buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes on a hand-stretched dough baked until golden and bubbly. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 85 minutes pairs high-gluten flour, water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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
- 125g high-gluten flour
- 65g water
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 10g sugar
- 10g unsalted butter
- 2g salt
- 150g buffalo mozzarella cheese
- 100g ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 125g high-gluten flour, 65g water, 1/2 tsp active dry yeast, 10g sugar, 10g unsalted butter, and 2g salt. Knead for 10 minutes until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature until doubled in size.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). On a floured surface, stretch the dough to a 9-inch diameter circle. Place on a pizza stone or baking tray.
- Step 3: Thinly slice 100g ripe tomatoes and 150g buffalo mozzarella. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Step 4: Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the dough, then scatter the garlic evenly. Arrange tomato slices on the base, then layer mozzarella slices on top.
- Step 5: Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Step 6: Remove pizza from oven, scatter 6 fresh basil leaves on top, drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 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 Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato 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 high-gluten flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato 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 Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato 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.
What goes well with Oven-Baked Buffalo Mozzarella and Tomato Pizza?
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.