Classic Margherita Pizza
Yields: 8 slices
This delicious classic Margherita pizza is topped with crushed tomatoes, garlic, salt, mozzarella, and basil. So simple to make and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Ingredients
- pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade
- 3/4 cup crushed or pureed tomatoes, San Marzano recommended
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls, patted dry
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or shredded into strips
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare your pizza dough as directed, whether this be following a recipe for homemade pizza dough or following instructions on a package of store-bought pizza dough. If using store-bought, keep in mind that some brands may state to bake the pizza crust first without the toppings; that is okay for this recipe.pizza dough
- Using a basting brush, cover the top of the pizza dough thoroughly with olive oil.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pour crushed tomatoes on top of pizza dough, then smooth it out into an even layer, leaving a 1/2 to 3/4 inch clean rim around all edges.3/4 cup crushed or pureed tomatoes
- Sprinkle with garlic and salt, then use a spoon to mix them in with the tomato sauce.2 teaspoons fresh minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Arrange mozzarella pearls evenly on top of pizza sauce.8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- Bake pizza per dough or package instructions or until crust is golden brown and done to your liking.
- Remove pizza from oven. Top with fresh basil leaves, gently pressing them into the melted mozzarella cheese so they stick.1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Serve Margherita pizza immediately.