Wood-Fired Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella

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

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A rustic pizza featuring a hand-stretched crust topped with a spicy tomato sauce and smoky mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection. This Italian-inspired pizza recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 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 30 minutes to ensure a hot baking surface.
  2. Step 2: On a floured surface, stretch 1 lb pizza dough into a 12-inch round, then spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly, sprinkling 1 tsp red chili flakes over the top for a spicy kick.
  3. Step 3: Tear 6 oz smoked mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce, then scatter 2 minced garlic cloves and drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil around.
  4. Step 4: Bake the pizza directly on the hot stone for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven and scatter 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves over the top before slicing and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Pizza with Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella 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 Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella?

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 Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella?

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 Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella 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 Spicy Tomato Sauce and Smoked Mozzarella?

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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