Wood-Fired Mozzarella and Basil Pizza with Focaccia Starter

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

A thin-crust pizza topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, served alongside warm focaccia bread to start. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, layers pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil leaves 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 650 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: 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 with a pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes to achieve a wood-fired effect.
  2. Step 2: Roll out 12 oz pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Brush the dough lightly with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then scatter 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the surface.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper on top, then slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is blistered and cheese is bubbling.
  4. Step 4: While the pizza bakes, warm 8 oz focaccia bread in the oven for 5 minutes. In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves with 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Brush this garlic-rosemary oil over the warm focaccia.
  5. Step 5: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired. Serve immediately with the garlic-rosemary focaccia.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil 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 Basil 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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