Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This classic Italian pizza features a thin, crispy wood-fired crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 87 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 75 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp granulated sugar in 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F). Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes to mimic a wood-fired oven.
  5. Step 5: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a pizza peel or parchment paper.
  6. Step 6: Spread 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, then layer 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese on top.
  7. Step 7: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  8. Step 8: Remove the pizza and immediately scatter 12 fresh basil leaves over the top, drizzle with 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt to taste before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 87 minutes (75 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 Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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 Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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.

Is Wood-Fired Margherita Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and 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.

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