Description
Margherita Pizza is a simple yet iconic Italian dish made with fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and basil on a crisp, chewy crust. It’s a celebration of minimalism and flavor, perfect for homemade pizza night.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano or high-quality canned tomatoes
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1 small garlic clove (minced) or a pinch of dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C), with a pizza stone or steel if available.
- On a floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.
- In a small bowl, combine crushed tomatoes with salt, olive oil, and optional garlic or oregano.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Tear mozzarella into small pieces and scatter evenly over the sauce.
- Transfer the pizza to the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes, until the crust is golden and blistered and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Let rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Pat mozzarella dry to reduce moisture on the pizza.Use a pizza stone or steel for a crispier, blistered crust.Use whole wheat dough for extra texture and fiber.Brush crust with garlic-infused oil for added flavor.Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
