Description
This Authentic Margherita Pizza recipe delivers a classic Italian favorite featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with rich San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this pizza combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 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 for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and if you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up thoroughly, creating a crisp base for the pizza.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Crush the San Marzano tomatoes in a bowl and season them lightly with salt to create a fresh, simple pizza sauce.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch diameter circle to achieve a thin, even crust.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread an even layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the rolled dough. Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly across the sauce.
- Bake Pizza: Transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or baking tray and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the mozzarella is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before slicing into servings.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
- San Marzano tomatoes provide a sweeter tomato flavor, but you can substitute with another good-quality canned tomatoes.
- Fresh mozzarella works best; avoid pre-shredded cheese for melt quality.
- You can add a pinch of dried oregano or crushed red pepper for added flavor if desired.
- Let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling for easier handling and better texture.
