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Authentic Margherita Pizza

Experience the warm, cheesy goodness of an Authentic Margherita Pizza made with fresh ingredients that make pizza night extraordinary.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Pizza Base
  • 1 batch pizza dough Homemade or store-bought
Sauce and Toppings
  • 14 oz San Marzano tomatoes Crushed, high-quality recommended
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese Torn into pieces for melting
  • to taste Extra virgin olive oil For drizzling
  • to taste Fresh basil leaves Torn for topping
  • to taste Salt For seasoning the tomato sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm the oven to 475°F, positioning a pizza stone for optimal heat distribution if accessible.
  2. Gently crush the San Marzano tomatoes in a mixing bowl, adding a light sprinkle of salt for balanced flavor.
  3. On a floured surface, carefully stretch the pizza dough into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide, ensuring an even thickness.
Assembly
  1. Ladle the seasoned tomato sauce across the dough's surface, creating a thin, uniform layer that reaches near the edges.
  2. Artfully scatter torn mozzarella pieces across the sauce, allowing for natural coverage and melting potential.
Baking
  1. Transfer the prepared pizza onto the preheated stone or baking tray, positioning it in the center of the oven.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, monitoring until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles with a slight char.
Finishing Touch
  1. Extract the pizza from the oven and immediately embellish with freshly torn basil leaves.
  2. Conclude with a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil across the surface, then slice and serve piping hot.

Notes

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. For reheating, pop it in the oven or an air fryer. You can freeze the assembled pizza and bake it from frozen.