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5-Ingredient Margherita Pizza

This 5-Ingredient Margherita Pizza is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner. With a simple crust, rich tomato base, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, you can have a fresh, homemade pizza on the table in under 20 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pizza Base & Sauce
  • 1 pizza dough about 12-inch, store-bought or homemade, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes lightly seasoned
Toppings
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or torn into pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin, for drizzling
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves torn or left whole

Equipment

  • Baking sheet or pizza stone

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Transfer it carefully to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly oiled baking sheet.
  3. Spread the pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
  4. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices over the sauce, spacing them out so they melt and spread while baking.
  5. Drizzle the top of the pizza lightly with olive oil. Carefully transfer the pizza (on the parchment, if using) to the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp on the edges and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and just starting to brown in spots.
  7. Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice into 8 pieces and serve hot.

Notes

For even more flavor, sprinkle the pizza with a pinch of sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes after baking. You can also brush the crust edges with a little olive oil before baking for extra color and crispness.