Description
Enjoy a taste of Italy with this classic Margherita pizza recipe. Simple yet flavorful, this pizza features a thin crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, gooey fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
Toppings:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute, then top with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg