Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple and straightforward homemade pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves that comes together in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs olive oil, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese, medium, thinly sliced ripe tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: On a floured surface, stretch 1 ball (12 oz) of store-bought pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, about 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Brush 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over the surface and sprinkle 1 minced garlic clove and 1/2 tsp salt for flavor.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella and 2 thinly sliced ripe tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
  5. Step 5: Slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
  6. Step 6: Remove pizza from oven and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and optional 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the top before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?

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 Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella 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 Quick Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella 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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