Margherita pizza

Margherita pizza is a classic Italian pizza named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. It features a simple yet delicious combination of ingredients. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

- Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

- 2-3 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

- Fresh basil leaves

- Extra-virgin olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Cornmeal or flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can reach, typically around 475-500°F (245-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness.

3. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper dusted with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking.

4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.

5. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.

6. Place the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese.

7. Season the pizza with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

8. Drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top of the pizza.

9. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven, either directly onto the pizza stone or onto a baking sheet if you're using parchment paper.

10. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

11. Once the pizza is out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.

12. Slice the pizza and serve hot.

13. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!

This recipe serves 2-4 people, depending on the size of the pizza and appetites. Feel free to customize by adding extra toppings like garlic, olives, or mushrooms if desired, but traditional Margherita pizza is best kept simple to let the flavors shine.