Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie with Fresh Basil

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

A classic Italian tomato pie featuring a tender, flaky crust topped with a sweet and savory tomato sauce and fresh basil, inspired by Salvatore's Tomato Pies. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 115 minutes layers all-purpose flour, packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast, warm water (110°F) into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 90 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup warm water (110°F), 1 tsp sugar, and 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast. Stir and let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Add the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring to combine. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: While the dough rises, prepare the tomato sauce by heating 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.
  5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12x14-inch rectangle. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking pan, pressing dough evenly to the edges.
  6. Step 6: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes, garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, then cut into squares and serve.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 115 minutes (90 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie with Fresh Basil?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie 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 Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Salvatore’s Style Tomato Pie with Fresh Basil?

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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