Oven-Baked Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-02 · Updated 2026-06-02

A classic Italian pizza featuring a thin crust topped with a vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 82 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, warm 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

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 160 ml warm water
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 150 g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1, minced garlic clove
• 150 g, sliced fresh mozzarella
• 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• a pinch black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 160 ml warm water with 1 tsp active dry yeast and 1/2 tsp sugar; stir and let it activate for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 250 g all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt, then pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil; mix and knead on a floured surface for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the sauce by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a small pan over medium heat, add 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in 150 g canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp sugar, and a pinch of black pepper; simmer gently for 10 minutes until thickened.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
6. Step 6: Roll the risen dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface and transfer it onto parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then arrange 150 g sliced fresh mozzarella on top.
8. Step 8: Slide the pizza on parchment onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
9. Step 9: Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter 10 fresh basil leaves over the top before slicing and serving.