Description
Enjoy a classic Italian favorite with this Authentic Margherita Pizza recipe. Featuring a crisp, golden crust topped with fresh San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil leaves, and a hint of extra virgin olive oil, this pizza delivers simple, fresh flavors that highlight the best of traditional Neapolitan pizza. Perfect for a quick homemade dinner that satisfies both your taste buds and your craving for authentic Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 batch pizza dough (about 12 inch diameter)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one to ensure a crispy crust.
- Prepare the Sauce: Crush the San Marzano tomatoes gently in a bowl and season them with salt to taste, creating a simple, fresh tomato sauce.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll your pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter, aiming for an even thickness.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread an even layer of your tomato sauce over the stretched dough. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Transfer the pizza to the hot pizza stone or a baking tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, then garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Slice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust; preheat it properly for best results.
- Fresh mozzarella can be quite moist; pat it lightly with paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- If you don’t have San Marzano tomatoes, use any high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes as a substitute.
- For a slightly thinner crust, roll the dough a bit thinner, but be careful not to tear it.
- Allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
