Classic Margherita Pizza: A Taste of Italy’s Best

Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Tomato Sauce – Crafting the Perfect Margherita Pizza

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Classic Margherita Pizza is a timeless Italian favorite featuring a thin crust topped with vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves. This recipe captures the essence of Italy’s best pizza, offering a simple yet delicious combination of flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-made pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2-3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cornmeal or flour for dusting

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Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 475-500°F or as high as it will go). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a circle or rectangle of your desired thickness.
  3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper sprinkled with cornmeal.
  4. Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  5. Arrange sliced fresh mozzarella cheese and tomato slices on top of the sauce.
  6. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
  10. Slice and serve the Classic Margherita Pizza hot, and enjoy the taste of Italy’s best with every bite!