Wood-Fired Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese

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

A thin crust pizza topped with smoky charred corn, nutty Manchego cheese, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. This mediterranean-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pizza dough, fresh corn kernels, Manchego cheese, grated for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your wood-fired oven or regular oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes to ensure a hot surface.
  2. Step 2: Toss 1 cup fresh corn kernels with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Char the corn in a hot skillet over high heat for 3-4 minutes until some kernels are blackened and smoky.
  3. Step 3: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle and place it on a pizza peel dusted with flour.
  4. Step 4: Brush the dough with 1 tbsp olive oil and evenly spread the charred corn over the surface. Sprinkle 1 cup grated Manchego cheese and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves on top.
  5. Step 5: Slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Remove pizza from the oven and scatter 1 cup fresh arugula and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes over the top before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese 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 Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese?

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 Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese?

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 Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pizza with Charred Corn and Manchego Cheese 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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