Wood-Fired Italian Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Italian pizza featuring a thin, crisp crust topped with fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 600 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes to mimic wood-fired heat.
  2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, stretch 250g of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, ensuring an even thickness with a slightly raised edge.
  3. Step 3: Spread 100ml of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
  4. Step 4: Tear 125g of fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the sauce.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the pizza.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbly and lightly browned.
  7. Step 7: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top, then drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.
  8. Step 8: Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Italian Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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 Italian Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 Italian Margherita Pizza 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 Wood-Fired Italian Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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 Italian Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes