Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter

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

A thin-crust wood-fired pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and peppery arugula, served alongside warm garlic focaccia as a starter. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, layers pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, arugula into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 600 calories and feeds 2, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 600 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your wood-fired oven or conventional oven to 500°F (260°C). Lightly flour a clean surface with 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, then roll out 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
  2. Step 2: Tear 6 oz fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the pizza to a pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  4. Step 4: While the pizza bakes, mince 3 garlic cloves and combine with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl.
  5. Step 5: Slice 4 oz focaccia bread into 1-inch pieces, brush with the garlic olive oil, and toast in the oven for 5 minutes until warm and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with 1 cup fresh arugula, sprinkle 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Serve the pizza hot with the warm garlic focaccia on the side as a starter.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter?

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 Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter 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.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Arugula Pizza with Focaccia Starter?

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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