Margherita Pizza Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pizza dough
1/2 cup tomato sauce
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
Prepare the Dough:
If using store-bought dough, follow the instructions on the package for rolling out the dough. If making your own, roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness (usually about 1/4 inch thick for a traditional crust).
Transfer the Dough:
Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel if using a pizza stone, or to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if not using a stone.
Add the Tomato Sauce:
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add the Mozzarella:
Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce.
Bake the Pizza:
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven. If using a pizza stone, slide the pizza onto the stone. If using a baking sheet, place the sheet directly in the oven.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Add the Basil and Season:
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. Add freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Serve:
Let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing.
Slice and serve immediately.
Enjoy your classic Margherita pizza, a timeless favorite that celebrates the simple yet delicious combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil!