Pizza Margherita

Italian Pizza Margherita Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

• 500g (about 1 lb) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 200g (7 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible, usually around 250°C (480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. Prepare Pizza Dough:
   • Divide the pizza dough into 4 equal portions.
   • On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a thin round crust, about 12 inches in diameter.
3. Assemble Pizza:
   • Place the rolled-out dough rounds on parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel.
   • Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce over each dough round, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
   • Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese.
   • Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizzas and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake Pizza:
   • If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizzas to the preheated stone in the oven. If not, place the pizzas on baking sheets.
   • Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
   • Slice the pizzas into wedges and serve hot.

Optional:

• Add additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or thinly sliced onions if desired.

Enjoy the classic flavors of Italy with this authentic Pizza Margherita recipe for 4 people!