Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Pizza

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic pizza featuring sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, baked to golden perfection on a hot stone. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 39 minutes pairs (store-bought or homemade) pizza dough, ounces crushed tomatoes, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 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.

★ 4.5 (187 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 345 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine 14 ounces crushed tomatoes, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of salt; simmer for 15 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Roll 1 1/2 cups pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface, then transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel.
  4. Step 4: Spread 3/4 cup tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border, then top with 1 1/2 cups sliced mozzarella.
  5. Step 5: Bake on the preheated stone for 12-14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, and top with 1/2 cup torn fresh basil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Pizza take to make?

Total time is about 39 minutes (25 min prep + 14 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 Tomato and Basil Pizza?

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 ounces crushed tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Tomato and Basil Pizza?

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 Tomato and Basil Pizza 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 Tomato and Basil Pizza?

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.

Related recipes