Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella

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

A crisp thin-crust pizza topped with a vibrant homemade tomato sauce and melted fresh mozzarella cheese, finished with basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends medium, diced ripe tomatoes, minced garlic cloves, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 diced ripe tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano; simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: On a floured surface, roll out 1 ball of fresh pizza dough to a 12-inch thin circle.
  5. Step 5: Transfer dough to a piece of parchment paper, spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface, then layer 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese evenly.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza with parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  7. Step 7: Remove from oven, scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top, slice, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce 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 Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce 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 Thin-Crust Pizza with Fresh Tomato Sauce 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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