Classic Margherita Pizza

A good pizza starts with a properly preheated oven. You want your oven as hot as possible to mimic the high-heat environment of a professional pizza oven.

• Place a pizza stone or heavy-duty baking sheet in the oven.

• Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Let it heat for at least 30 minutes to ensure the stone or sheet is thoroughly hot.

Pro Tip: If using a pizza stone, avoid placing cold dough directly onto a hot stone. Always prepare the pizza on a separate surface and slide it onto the stone.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

The sauce is raw, bright, and unburdened by cooking—preserving the tomato’s natural sweetness.

• In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt.

• Stir until evenly mixed. This will be your no-cook pizza sauce.

Why San Marzano? These Italian tomatoes are less acidic and sweeter, making them ideal for pizza sauce without additional sugar or herbs.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Your pizza crust is the canvas. It needs to be thin enough to crisp but thick enough to hold the toppings.

• Lightly flour a clean surface using all-purpose flour.

• Take 1 pound of pizza dough and stretch it gently with your hands into a 12-inch round.

• Be careful not to press out all the air; a few bubbles in the crust are desirable.

• Transfer the shaped dough onto parchment paper dusted with semolina flour. This prevents sticking and helps it slide onto the stone later.

Don’t overwork the dough! Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes beforehand to make shaping easier.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

Now it’s time to bring it all together.

• Spread a thin, even layer of the tomato sauce on the dough, leaving about 1 inch of space around the edges.

• Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded whole milk mozzarella over the top.

• Tear and scatter a handful of fresh basil leaves across the pizza.

Don’t overload it! Minimal toppings ensure even cooking and a crisp base.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

This is where the magic happens.

• Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes! Oven temperatures vary, and your pizza may be ready sooner or later.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked to perfection:

• Remove the pizza from the oven using a peel or spatula.

• Let it cool for 1–2 minutes.

• Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

• Slice and serve immediately.

Optional: Add more fresh basil after baking for vibrant color and fresh aroma.

 Expert Tips for the Perfect Margherita Pizza

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