Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella Pizza with Basil and Olive Oil Drizzle
A Neapolitan-inspired pizza featuring fresh mozzarella and a basil garnish, finished with a fragrant olive oil drizzle for a simple yet elegant flavor. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 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 450 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pizza dough
- 8 oz, sliced fresh mozzarella
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup for dusting all-purpose flour
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F and place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside to heat for 45 minutes.
- Step 2: Lightly flour a clean surface with 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stretch 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch round, maintaining even thickness.
- Step 3: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Step 4: Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Step 5: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately sprinkle 10 fresh basil leaves over the top.
- Step 6: Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly over the pizza and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Fresh Mozzarella Pizza with Basil and Olive Oil Drizzle take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Pizza with Basil and 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 Pizza with Basil and 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 Pizza with Basil and 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 Pizza with Basil and 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.
