Description
This homemade Margherita Pizza recipe is simple, fresh, and bursting with classic Italian flavors. Made with high-quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, this pizza boasts a thin, crispy crust and vibrant toppings perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 small garlic cloves
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Pizza:
- Cornmeal, for dusting
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F (260°C) and allow it to fully heat to ensure a crispy, evenly cooked crust.
- Make the tomato sauce: In a food processor, combine the San Marzano tomatoes with their juices, olive oil, garlic cloves, and sea salt. Process until smooth to create a fresh, flavorful sauce.
- Prepare the dough: Lightly dust a baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Place the pizza dough on the sheet and stretch it gently into a large oval shape, creating an even thickness.
- Assemble the pizza: Evenly spread about ½ cup of the prepared tomato sauce over the stretched dough, leaving a 1-inch border free of sauce around the edges for the crust.
- Add toppings: Distribute the torn or sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce-covered dough to ensure every bite has cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet with the assembled pizza to the preheated oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness. Slice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.
- You can substitute pizza dough with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone instead of a baking sheet.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit if you want a milder pizza.
- This pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven as the crust may become soggy when reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian