Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): 1 pound
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato sauce (good quality): 1 cup
- Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced: 8 ounces
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup
- Garlic, minced: 1 clove
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. If not, you can use a baking sheet.
- Step 2: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired shape and thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or directly onto your preheated baking sheet/stone.
- Step 3: Brush the dough with olive oil and spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border for the crust. Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 4: Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
- Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Leftover pizza slices are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a softer texture.
- Serve your Margherita pizza with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.
- For the most flavorful pizza, let the dough rise at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping, even if using store-bought.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American