Oven-Baked White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil

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

A delicate pizza featuring fresh mozzarella and basil, baked to perfection without crushed tomatoes, highlighting creamy cheese and herbaceous freshness. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F and lightly oil a pizza stone or baking sheet with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Stretch the 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface and transfer it to the prepared stone.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly over the dough, then sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder over the surface.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough.
  5. Step 5: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and mozzarella is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and immediately scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top to release their aroma and freshness before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil 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 White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil 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 White Mozzarella Pizza with Fresh Basil 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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