Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle

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

A delicate pizza featuring fresh mozzarella added after baking, topped with vibrant basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a fresh finish. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 27 minutes, pairs pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes to mimic wood-fired heat. Dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Stretch 12 oz pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, then transfer to the prepared peel. Bake the dough alone for 6-8 minutes until edges start to puff and turn golden but the center is still pale.
  3. Step 3: Remove the pizza base from the oven and immediately arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the hot crust. Return to oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes until mozzarella softens but does not brown.
  4. Step 4: Remove pizza from oven and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly, then season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle?

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 pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle?

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 Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle 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 Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Olive Oil Drizzle 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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