Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil
Classic Neapolitan pizza dough topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of homemade Calabrian chili oil for a smoky heat. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 24 minutes pairs about 12 oz pizza dough ball, crushed San Marzano tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 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.
Ingredients
- 1, about 12 oz pizza dough ball
- 1/2 cup, crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 6 oz, sliced fresh mozzarella
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp Calabrian chili flakes
- 1, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (ideally 500°F or higher) and place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside to heat for at least 45 minutes.
- Step 2: To make the chili oil, gently warm 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1 tsp Calabrian chili flakes and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: On a floured surface, stretch 1 12-oz pizza dough ball into a 12-inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
- Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt, then arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella over the top.
- Step 5: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is puffed, golden, and the cheese is bubbling.
- Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter 8 fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle the prepared Calabrian chili oil over the pizza. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil take to make?
Total time is about 24 minutes (15 min prep + 9 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 Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil?
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 about 12 oz pizza dough ball from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil?
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 Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil 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 Neapolitan Pizza with Spicy Calabrian Chili Oil?
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.