Margherita Pizza

Prep: 45

Cook: 15

Total Time: 1

Yield: 8 servings

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 207kcal

Author: Jessica Gavin

Classic Margherita pizza recipe loaded with melted fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and herbaceous basil leaves. Par-bake to ensure a crispy golden crust.

Ingredients

▢ 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, plus more for brushing
▢ 1 pound (454 g) pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
▢ ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce, or pizza sauce
▢ 4 ounces (113 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
▢ 2 ripe tomatoes, cocktail, Campari, or Roma, about ten ¼" thick slices
▢ 10 fresh basil leaves
▢ kosher salt, as needed for seasoning
▢ black pepper, as needed for seasoning

Special Equipment

Instructions

Preheat the Oven - If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. Place the oven rack in the center position and preheat to 475ºF (246ºC).
Warm the Pan - Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven to heat.
Roll Out the Dough - Lightly flour a work surface, the dough, and the rolling pin. Roll out into a 12-inch circle.
Grease the Pan - Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Add olive oil to the skillet and use a paper towel to evenly spread into the pan.
Par-Bake the Crust - Carefully add the pizza dough to the hot skillet, spreading the edges into the corners. Lightly brush olive oil on the edges of the crust. Bake for 3 minutes.
Add the Toppings - Remove from the oven and evenly spread the pizza sauce over the dough. Place the cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Place the tomatoes evenly over the cheese.
Bake - Bake the pizza until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, 10 to 12 minutes.
To Serve - Sprinkle with salt and pepper and place basil leaves evenly across the top. Slice on a cutting board and enjoy hot.

Notes

Skip Par-Baking: After topping the pizza, bake until the cheese is melted, about 12 to 14 minutes. Allow the pizza to sit in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for the dough to finish cooking throughout.
Keeping Slices Warm: Extra slices can be kept in the skillet to keep the crust crispy and warm until ready to eat the next piece.

Nutrition

Recipe Link