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Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

If you’re craving a pizza that captures the essence of Italy, look no further than this Classic Margherita Pizza. With its golden crust, rich tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something spectacular. Topped with fragrant basil and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a perfect meal for any night of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Margherita Pizza is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make at home. You’ll love the fresh flavors and the satisfaction of crafting your own pizza masterpiece. Plus, it’s customizable, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

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  • Authentic Italian flavors that transport your taste buds.
  • Simple ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Perfect for family nights or casual gatherings.
  • Fun to make and customize with your favorite toppings.
  • Ready in under an hour!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

How to Make Classic Margherita Pizza

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
  3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the cheese.
  6. Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
  9. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Results

  • For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding the toppings.
  • Use a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet to transfer the pizza to the oven easily.
  • Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out for easier handling.
  • If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, add some fresh leaves before baking and save a few for garnish.

Easy Variations

  • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Swap in burrata cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Top with sliced tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.

What to Serve With It

  • A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread or breadsticks for a classic pairing.
  • A chilled glass of Italian red wine, like Chianti.
  • Roasted vegetables for a healthy side.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crust’s crispness.

Recipe Card

Classic Margherita Pizza
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
  3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
  5. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the cheese.
  6. Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
  9. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.

Notes: For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.

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