Margherita Recipe
classic tomato, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil
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Ingredients
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Base Ingredients
Toppings
Method
Preparation
- 1
Prepare the Dough
If using store-bought pizza dough, remove it from the packaging and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If making homemade dough, prepare it according to your recipe and allow it to rise.
- 2
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or the highest setting if your oven does not reach this temperature. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
Assembling the Pizza
- 3
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has rested, sprinkle flour on a clean surface. Roll out or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle, making sure the edges are slightly thicker to form a crust.
- 4
Add Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about half an inch around the edges for the crust.
- 5
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the tomato sauce.
- 6
Season and Drizzle
Sprinkle the salt over the pizza. Drizzle olive oil evenly across the top.
Baking
- 7
Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Finishing Touches
- 8
Add Basil and Serve
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Immediately top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Allow to cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
