A Simple, Fresh Pizza That’s All About the Ingredients

There’s something magical about the simplicity of a classic Margherita pizza. No heavy toppings, no overwhelming sauces—just a crisp, golden crust, bright tomato flavor, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s proof that when you use good ingredients, you don’t need much else.

I first made this Margherita pizza at home after a summer trip to Italy, determined to recreate that rustic, wood-fired flavor in my own oven. And you know what? You can get pretty close, even without a pizza oven.

This recipe is my go-to when I want something satisfying but still light and fresh. It’s also a total crowd-pleaser—and yes, even my kids eat the basil now.

Ingredients

• 1 ball (8–10 oz) fresh pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

• ½ cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes or plain tomato puree

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• 6–8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 8–10 fresh basil leaves

• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

2. Prepare Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough to about 10–12 inches wide. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel.

3. Add Sauce: Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border. Sprinkle with sea salt and drizzle with olive oil.

4. Add Cheese: Lay fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the top.

5. Bake: Carefully transfer to the oven (or onto the hot stone) and bake for 10–14 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

6. Add Basil: Remove from oven and immediately top with fresh basil. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Sarah’s Pizza Tips

• Crust Tip: Let your dough sit at room temp for 30 minutes before stretching—makes it easier to work with.

• Tomatoes Matter: San Marzano tomatoes give that authentic flavor, but any good quality crushed tomato works.

• Cheese Tip: Pat your mozzarella dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture on your crust.

• Oven Hack: Use a preheated cast iron skillet or pizza steel to mimic the heat of a pizza oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pizza is crisp, fresh, and full of real flavor. It’s a great option when you want to keep things light but still crave something special. Whether it’s pizza night, date night, or just a Friday “treat yourself” moment—this recipe delivers that homemade, from-scratch feel with very little effort.

Once you make this, you may never go back to delivery.

Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 2):
Calories: 420
Protein: 18g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g