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Classic Margherita Pizza for a Spring Evening

A close-up cross-section of a slice of Margherita pizza showing the airy, bubbly crust, bright red sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil.
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Make a fresh Margherita pizza at home that captures the colors of the Italian flag. This recipe provides a light and visually appealing option for your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ball pizza dough (about 14 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • 8 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Place a pizza stone or steel in your oven and preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) for at least 30 minutes.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with the olive oil and salt.
  4. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour. Spread the tomato mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  5. Arrange the fresh mozzarella pieces over the sauce.
  6. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel in the oven.
  7. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and lightly browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top.
  9. Slice and serve your authentic Italian pizza right away.

Notes

  • For a Neapolitan pizza at home feel, use a very hot oven and bake quickly.
  • If you do not have a pizza stone, you can bake this on an inverted baking sheet placed in the oven while preheating.
  • Use good quality ingredients; the simplicity of this basil and mozzarella pizza relies on fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/margherita-pizza-fresh-spring-secret/