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Margherita Pizza Recipe

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4.1 from 66 reviews

This classic Margherita Pizza recipe offers a beautifully thin, golden crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfectly baked at high heat on a pizza stone or baking sheet, it delivers a deliciously authentic Italian flavor that’s both simple and satisfying.

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Base

  • 16 ounces pizza dough, store bought or homemade

Sauce

  • ½ cup pizza sauce, store bought or homemade

Toppings

  • 6-8 slices fresh mozzarella
  • 2-3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • ½ teaspoon pizza seasoning (blend of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 500°F and place a pizza stone inside during preheating for at least 15 minutes to ensure an evenly heated surface for baking.
  2. Prepare dough and sauce: If making homemade pizza dough or sauce, prepare them now. If using store-bought options, proceed to the next step.
  3. Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a 14-15 inch diameter circle. For a more pronounced crust, fold in the edges around the dough before adding toppings.
  4. Add toppings on stone or baking sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto the hot pizza stone or a lightly greased baking sheet. Spread the pizza sauce evenly, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato, then sprinkle the pizza seasoning evenly over the top.
  5. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, rotate the pizza for even baking and continue baking for an additional 7-8 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle lightly with olive oil before slicing and serving for extra flavor and shine.

Notes

  • Using a pizza stone is highly recommended for a crispier crust but a baking sheet works well too.
  • Adjust toppings to your preference — adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful heat.
  • Let the dough rest for a few minutes after rolling to prevent shrinking during baking.
  • Fresh mozzarella is preferred for its creamy texture and melt quality.
  • If oven can’t reach 500°F, bake at the highest possible temperature and increase baking time slightly, watching closely.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/margherita-pizza-recipe/