Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza
Experience the ultimate homemade pizza night with this Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza recipe, a timeless classic that combines simplicity with gourmet flavor. Featuring a handmade pizza dough that's tender yet perfectly crisp, this recipe is elevated by a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and slices of creamy fresh mozzarella that melt to bubbly perfection in the oven. Topped with fragrant basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, this pizza embodies the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. Ready in just over an hour, it's perfect for a quick weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence. Serve it straight from the oven for a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 1 cup Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for sauce)
- 8 ounces Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt.
Add the olive oil and warm water to the dry ingredients, then mix until a sticky dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 60–90 minutes in a warm place until doubled in size.
While the dough rises, prepare the tomato sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, then set aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it in half. Roll one portion into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
Carefully transfer the dough to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Top with slices of fresh mozzarella, spacing them out evenly.
Using oven mitts, carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil before serving.
Repeat the process with the remaining dough and toppings. Slice and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.1 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.3 g | 196% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 178 mg | 59% | |
| Sodium | 6377 mg | 277% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 352.5 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.1 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.2 g | ||
| Protein | 98.6 g | 197% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1308 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 24.4 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 1545 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
