Ingredients

Method

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-14 inch round, or to your desired thickness.

If using a pizza stone, place the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal. If not using a pizza stone, place the dough on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet.

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Arrange the mozzarella cheese pieces evenly over the sauce.

Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or pizza stone. If using a pizza peel, slide the pizza onto the hot stone; if using a baking sheet, place it directly into the oven.

Bake the Margherita Pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.

Drizzle the pizza with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper, to taste.

Slice and serve the Margherita Pizza immediately.