Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita is an Italian dish consisting of a dough base topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, oregano, and salt. It is typically served as a main course for lunch or dinner.

For an authentic Margherita, use fresh mozzarella like fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella, not low-moisture shredded varieties. Ensure you drain it thoroughly and tear or slice it into pieces just before placing it on the pizza to prevent a watery crust.

Preheat your oven as high as it can go (ideally 500-550°F / 260-290°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least an hour. Cook the pizza for a very short time, typically 5-8 minutes, until the crust is puffed and lightly charred, and the cheese is bubbly.

The classic Margherita uses a very simple, uncooked sauce made from high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, crushed or pureed lightly. Season it with salt and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil, but avoid cooking it beforehand to preserve its fresh flavor.

To keep the basil vibrant and aromatic, add most of it after the pizza comes out of the oven. If you add it before, it tends to crisp up and lose its fresh flavor due to the high cooking temperature.