Wood-Fired Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce

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

A wood-fired pizza featuring a smoky charred tomato sauce base topped with smoked mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 35 minutes blends pizza dough, medium roma tomatoes, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your wood-fired oven or conventional oven to 500°F with a pizza stone inside for at least 45 minutes to get it very hot.
  2. Step 2: Char 5 medium roma tomatoes directly over an open flame or under a broiler for 5-7 minutes until skins blacken and blister. Let cool, then peel and roughly chop.
  3. Step 3: In a pan over medium heat, sauté 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chopped charred tomatoes, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 10 minutes until sauce thickens and slightly reduces.
  4. Step 4: Roll out 1 lb pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12-inch diameter. Transfer to a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal.
  5. Step 5: Spread the charred tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then top with 8 oz sliced smoked mozzarella cheese.
  6. Step 6: Slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone and bake for 7-9 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden, and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove pizza and immediately scatter 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves on top, drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, slice, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce?

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 Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce 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.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Pizza with Smoked Mozzarella and Charred Tomato Sauce?

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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