Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil

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

A classic Italian pizza featuring a thin, crisp wood-fired crust topped with rich San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes blends pizza dough, San Marzano tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your wood-fired oven or conventional oven to its highest setting (around 500°F) and let a pizza stone heat for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, stretch 1 lb pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, keeping the edges slightly thicker for the crust.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1/2 cup San Marzano tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  4. Step 4: Distribute 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt across the top.
  5. Step 5: Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 12 fresh basil leaves on top, then drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over everything.
  7. Step 7: Optionally sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil?

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 Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and 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 Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil 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 Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato Sauce and Fresh Basil?

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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