Oven-Baked Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle

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

A light and flavorful pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and finished with fresh basil and an olive oil drizzle after baking. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: Lightly flour a work surface and roll 12 oz of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, then sprinkle 1 tbsp cornmeal on a pizza peel or parchment paper and transfer the dough onto it.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 6 oz of fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the cheese.
  4. Step 4: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and mozzarella is bubbling.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves across the top. Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly over the pizza.
  6. Step 6: Let the pizza rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle 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 Oven-Baked Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle?

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 pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle?

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 Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle 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 Oven-Baked Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle 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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