Hey Lykkers! Who doesn't love a slice of warm, cheesy pizza?
If you've been craving a delicious homemade pizza that's simple to make yet bursting with flavor, then you're in for a treat!
Today, we're going to make a classic Margherita pizza that's as delicious as it is easy to prepare. This recipe is all about fresh ingredients, and the best part? It only takes 30 minutes to make from start to finish!
The Secret to the Perfect Margherita Pizza
We all know that a Margherita pizza is simple, but that's what makes it so special. With only a few ingredients, the quality of each one really stands out. Our top tip for making a perfect Margherita pizza is to use the highest-quality ingredients you can find. Think fresh basil, San Marzano tomatoes, and good mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients You'll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let's make sure we have everything we need. This list is short and simple, but each item plays a key role in making your pizza taste amazing.
• 1 can (28 ounces) of whole San Marzano tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 small garlic cloves
• ½ teaspoon sea salt]• Cornmeal
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or sliced thinly
• Fresh basil leaves
• Red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Margherita Pizza
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's walk through how to bring this pizza to life! The process is quick and simple, so get ready to enjoy a homemade pizza in just 30 minutes.
1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 500°F (260°C). This is the perfect temperature for getting that crispy pizza crust!
In a food processor, combine the San Marzano tomatoes (with their juices), olive oil, garlic, and sea salt. Process the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and well combined. This fresh, homemade sauce is the heart of your pizza!
2. Stretch the Dough
Dust a baking sheet with some cornmeal. This helps prevent the dough from sticking and gives the crust a nice texture. Now, take your pizza dough and stretch it into a large oval shape on the baking sheet. Don't worry if it's not perfect—this is homemade pizza, after all! Just make sure to leave about a 1-inch border around the edges for the crust.
3. Assemble the Pizza
Spread about ½ cup of your homemade tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, making sure to leave that 1-inch border for the crust. Top the sauce with your fresh mozzarella cheese, scattering it around so every bite has a perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio.
4. Bake Your Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake it for about 10 to 12 minutes. You'll want the crust to be golden brown and the cheese to be bubbling and slightly browned. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and add a handful of fresh basil leaves. The basil will infuse the pizza with a fragrant, fresh flavor. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a bit of heat, if desired. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top to finish it off and serve hot.
6. Tips for Success
• If you have any leftover tomato sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
• The mozzarella cheese can be torn by hand for a rustic look, or you can slice it thinly for even coverage. Both ways taste delicious!
• Feel free to get creative with your pizza. You can add some red onions, olives, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze if you want to mix things up.
What makes this pizza so amazing is how simple it is to prepare yet how incredible it tastes. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients with the crispy crust and gooey cheese is absolutely irresistible!
