Delicious Pizza Margherita Recipe

When it comes to classic Italian pizza, the Pizza Margherita stands out for its simple yet exquisite flavors. This iconic dish is a true celebration of the freshest ingredients - ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil, and a crispy, thin crust. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create your own delicious Pizza Margherita at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 batch of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 cup of tomato sauce - 1 cup of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - Handful of fresh basil leaves - Extra-virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature setting (usually around 500°F or higher) and place a pizza stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface into a round shape. Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper.

3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.

4. Place the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

5. Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese.

6. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Carefully slide the pizza (along with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.

8. Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy with this homemade Pizza Margherita. Whether you're hosting a pizza night with friends or simply craving a taste of Italy, this classic recipe is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings. Buon appetito!