Wood-Fired Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic pizza featuring a thin crust topped with creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a simple tomato sauce, perfect for wood-fired or home ovens. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 30 minutes pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven (or wood-fired oven) to 500°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, stretch 12 oz pizza dough into a 12-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring an even thickness.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce, then sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Step 5: Slide the pizza with parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  6. Step 6: Remove pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil evenly across the pizza before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Fresh Mozzarella and Basil?

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 Fresh Mozzarella and Basil?

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 Fresh Mozzarella and Basil 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 Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil?

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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