Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic thin-crust pizza topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves for a simple, fresh flavor. This italian-inspired pizza 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp active dry yeast, and 3/4 tsp salt. Add 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tbsp olive oil, mixing until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 6-7 minutes until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
  4. Step 4: Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch thin circle. Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment paper.
  5. Step 5: Spread 3/4 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  6. Step 6: Tear 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella into chunks and distribute evenly over the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  8. Step 8: Remove pizza from oven and immediately scatter 12 fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle 1/4 tsp sea salt before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo 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 Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Thin-Crust Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Buffalo Mozzarella?

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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