Description
This Classic Margherita Pizza is a timeless Italian favorite that celebrates simplicity and quality ingredients. With a crispy, golden crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, this pizza captures the essence of traditional Neapolitan cuisine. Perfect for a family dinner or weekend cooking project.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter).
- Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Mix the tomato sauce with minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt.
- Carefully transfer to the oven (or onto the preheated pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes, slice, and serve hot.
Tips
For an extra crispy crust, brush the edges with olive oil before baking. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for extra flavor. Fresh mozzarella will give you the best results, but you can substitute with low-moisture mozzarella if needed.