Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Basil Pizza

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

A simple Italian-style pizza topped with fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven or conventional oven. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs pizza dough, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F and if possible, place a pizza stone or cast iron skillet inside to heat for 30 minutes. Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 2 tbsp cornmeal.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 12 oz pizza dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle, then transfer carefully to the cornmeal-dusted peel or sheet.
  3. Step 3: Arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper over the cheese.
  4. Step 4: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or skillet and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and immediately scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza. Drizzle with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and slice to serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Basil 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 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 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 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 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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