Authentic Margherita Pizza 

Authentic Margherita Pizza is a timeless Italian classic that brings the vibrant flavors of Naples right into your kitchen. With its simple yet bold combination of hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, this pizza honors tradition while satisfying modern cravings. Baking it at high heat—ideally on a blazing-hot pizza stone—yields a golden, slightly charred crust that contrasts beautifully with the bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce. Whether you're serving it for a casual family meal or impressing friends at a gathering, this pizza delivers stunning simplicity and unforgettable flavor.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Pizza dough (homemade or high-quality store‑bought)
  
  

• 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
  
  

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
  
  

• Fresh basil leaves
  
  

• Extra virgin olive oil
  
  

• Salt, to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to its highest setting (around 475 °F or 245 °C). If available, place a pizza stone inside while preheating.
   
   

2. Make the Sauce: Crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or with a fork in a bowl, then season with salt.
   
   

3. Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, stretch or roll your pizza dough to a diameter of approximately 12 inches.
   
   

4. Assemble Pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Tear pieces of fresh mozzarella and distribute them evenly—not overcrowding the surface.
   
   

5. Bake: Transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
   
   

6. Garnish & Serve: Once baked, top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Slice and serve immediately.
   
   

Nutrients (per 1 serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal
  
  

• Sugar: 3 g
  
  

• Sodium: 480 mg
  
  

• Fat: 10 g
  
  

  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
    
    

  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
    
    

  • Trans Fat: 0 g
    
    

• Carbohydrates: 30 g
  
  

  • Fiber: 2 g
    
    

• Protein: 10 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 20 mg