Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce

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

A personal-sized 10.5-inch pizza featuring a bold, spicy tomato sauce base topped with mozzarella and fresh basil, perfect for a satisfying solo meal. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes brings together pizza dough ball (10.5-inch size), olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 15 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes and 1/2 tsp salt to the pan, simmer gently for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
  4. Step 4: Roll out the 10.5-inch pizza dough ball on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
  5. Step 5: Spread the spicy tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then arrange 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella on top.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, scatter 8 fresh basil leaves and sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese over the hot pizza before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

Refrigerate any leftover punch-style individual pizza with spicy tomato sauce in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

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 Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Punch-Style Individual Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce?

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.

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