There’s nothing quite like the simple elegance of a Margherita pizza. This classic recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of sunny afternoons in Naples, where I first fell in love with its harmonious blend of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella on a crispy crust.
- 1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Sprinkle a pizza peel or the back of a baking sheet with cornmeal or flour. Stretch out the pizza dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer it to the prepared peel or baking sheet.
Evenly distribute the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese on top of the dough. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and dried oregano over the toppings.
Transfer the pizza (on the peel or baking sheet) to the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Halfway through baking, rotate the pizza to ensure even cooking.
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for a minute or two, then slice and serve hot. Enjoy the burst of flavors from the fresh ingredients and crispy crust.
Final words
Thank you for following along with this classic Margherita pizza recipe. It’s a testament to the beauty of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. I hope you enjoyed the cooking process as much as savoring each slice. Dive into more culinary adventures by exploring other recipes on our site. Buon appetito!
Tags
margherita pizza recipe, how to make margherita pizza, classic Italian pizza, homemade pizza