Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Basil Margherita Pizza

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

A classic Italian pizza featuring fresh mozzarella, vibrant basil, and a crisp, wood-fired crust without crushed tomato sauce. 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 550 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least 45 minutes to simulate a wood-fired oven.
  2. Step 2: Stretch 12 oz of pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a surface dusted with 1 tbsp cornmeal to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Lightly brush the dough with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper evenly over the surface.
  4. Step 4: Tear 6 oz fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly across the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  5. Step 5: Scatter 2 minced garlic cloves evenly over the cheese for a fragrant aroma.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the pizza carefully onto the preheated stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  7. Step 7: Remove the pizza and immediately scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top, allowing the residual heat to release their aroma before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Basil Margherita Pizza 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 Mozzarella and Basil Margherita Pizza?

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 Mozzarella and Basil Margherita Pizza?

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 Basil Margherita Pizza 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 Mozzarella and Basil Margherita Pizza 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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