Rustic Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this Rustic Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza, featuring the freshest ingredients for an unforgettable taste experience. The combination of creamy fresh mozzarella, sun-ripened plum tomatoes, and fragrant basil creates a delightful symphony of flavors. This pizza captures the essence of Italian cooking by using rustic techniques and high-quality ingredients. Make your own dough for a truly authentic touch, or take a shortcut with store-bought pizza dough for easier preparation. Perfect for a casual dinner or a gathering with friends, this pizza will impress everyone with its simplicity and vibrant flavors. Serve hot, topped with a hint of pepper and optional slices of ham for an added touch of savory goodness.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
4 ounces (Shaped into a ball and rolled out)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon (For brushing on the crust)
Plum Tomato
1 large (Sliced thinly)
Fresh Basil
1 tablespoon (Sliced or torn)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
4 slices (Cut into thin slices)
Country Ham or Smoked Ham
1 slice (optional) (Cut into thin strips)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground, for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a pizza stone or a heavy baking sheet inside to heat up for about 10-12 minutes.
2
On a lightly floured surface, shape the pizza dough into an approximate 6-8 inch circle. It doesn't have to be perfect, just rustic. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
3
Fold up the edges of the dough to form a 1-inch border. Use a pastry brush to evenly brush the olive oil over the dough, or drizzle it if you prefer.
4
Loosely cover the pizza dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 15-20 minutes to allow the dough to relax and puff slightly.
5
Once the oven has preheated and the pizza stone or baking sheet is hot, remove the plastic wrap from the dough. Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly over the base, followed by the fresh basil and mozzarella slices. If using, add the sliced ham and finally sprinkle with freshly ground pepper.
6
Carefully transfer the pizza on the parchment paper to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
7
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a minute, slice it up, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade rustic pizza!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rustic Fresh Mozzarella and Basil Pizza?
It is an Italian-inspired pizza featuring fresh mozzarella, sun-ripened plum tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a rustic crust.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
Do I need a pizza stone for this recipe?
While a pizza stone is recommended for a better crust, you can also use a heavy baking sheet.
How long should the pizza stone preheat?
The stone or baking sheet should heat inside the oven for about 10-12 minutes.
What size should the pizza dough be shaped into?
The dough should be shaped into an approximate 6-8 inch circle.
How thick should the dough border be?
Fold up the edges of the dough to form a 1-inch border.
Why do I need to brush olive oil on the dough?
Brushing extra virgin olive oil on the dough helps the crust achieve a golden color and adds flavor.
How long should the dough rise before adding toppings?
The dough should rise in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes to relax and puff slightly.
What type of tomatoes are best for this pizza?
Large plum tomatoes are recommended and should be sliced thinly.
What type of cheese is used?
Fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into four thin slices, is used for this recipe.
How should the basil be prepared?
The fresh basil should be sliced or torn before being layered onto the pizza.
Is ham required for this recipe?
No, the country ham or smoked ham is an optional ingredient for added savory flavor.
How should I season the pizza?
Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper over the toppings.
How long does the pizza bake?
The pizza takes approximately 10 minutes to bake.
How can I tell when the pizza is done?
The pizza is finished when the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, transferring the pizza on parchment paper makes it easier to move onto the hot stone or sheet.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, store-bought dough can be used as a shortcut for easier preparation.
What is the calorie count for this pizza?
Specific nutritional information such as calories is not currently provided for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under 'Cheese' pizzas.
How many ingredients are needed?
The recipe requires 7 ingredients, including the optional ham.
Is this a rustic-style pizza?
Yes, the shaping of the dough doesn't have to be perfect, emphasizing a rustic, homemade look.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preheating the oven and the baking surface.
Where should I let the dough rise?
Let the dough rise in a warm place away from drafts while loosely covered with plastic wrap.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor profile in Italian cooking.
How much dough is needed for one pizza?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of pizza dough.
Should I cool the pizza before serving?
It is recommended to let the pizza cool for just one minute before slicing and serving hot.
Can I add extra toppings?
While this recipe focuses on mozzarella and basil, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
What is the serving size?
The recipe makes 4 servings, typically representing the whole small rustic pizza.
Is fresh basil better than dried?
Yes, fresh basil is essential for the vibrant, aromatic flavor characteristic of this rustic pizza.