Pizza Margherita: A Slice of Story, Sass & Flavor
A simple, flavor-packed Pizza Margherita recipe made with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil—perfectly crisp, boldly classic, and effortlessly homemade.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough store brought or homemade
- ½ cup pizza suace
- 8 ounce fresh mozzarella sliced
- 10-12 leaves fresh basil
- 2 teaspoons olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly grounded black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- If you have a pizza stone, get it hot. If not, use a parchment-lined baking sheet — no shame in the sheet pan game.
Roll or stretch your dough into a 12-inch round on a lightly floured surface.
- No need to get fussy — wonky edges = character.
Sauce it up:
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ¾-inch border. Use about 2–3 tablespoons — enough to coat, not drown.
Top it:
- Place the mozzarella slices evenly across the sauce.Keep space between them so they melt and bubble beautifully.
Season + Drizzle:
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.Drizzle with olive oil for that glossy, golden finish.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with browned edges.
Add the basil:
- Top the hot pizza with fresh basil leaves right out of the oven. Tear the big ones for better basil-per-bite action.
Notes
⚠️ Food Allergy Notes
- Contains Dairy: Fresh mozzarella is a milk-based cheese. Not suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. 👉 Dairy-free swap? Use plant-based mozzarella-style cheese (look for meltable options).
- Contains Gluten: Most pizza dough contains wheat flour (gluten). 👉 Gluten-free option? Use certified gluten-free pizza dough or cauliflower crust.
- May Contain Soy (store-bought dough/sauce): Some pre-made doughs and sauces may include soy-based preservatives or additives. Always check labels if you’re sensitive.
- Nut-Free Recipe: This recipe does not contain nuts. Safe for most nut-allergic eaters, but check packaged ingredients to be sure.