Description
This Authentic Margherita Pizza recipe offers a classic Italian favorite featuring a crisp, thin crust topped with a flavorful homemade San Marzano tomato sauce, melted fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for a quick yet gourmet meal, this pizza balances simplicity with traditional Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base
- 1 batch pizza dough
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and if you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up for an evenly cooked crust.
- Prepare Sauce: Crush the canned San Marzano tomatoes in a mixing bowl and season with salt to taste, creating a rich and flavorful tomato sauce base.
- Roll Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to approximately 12 inches in diameter to form the pizza base.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly spread the tomato sauce over the rolled-out dough. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the sauce.
- Bake Pizza: Bake the prepared pizza on the hot pizza stone or a baking tray in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top. Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated baking tray works as a good alternative.
- Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Using San Marzano tomatoes enhances the sweet, balanced flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust salt carefully as the mozzarella can add natural saltiness.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking to retain its color and aroma.
