Charred Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil
This Margherita pizza features a crispy, slightly charred crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. The dish combines traditional baking with intentional charring to create a smoky flavor and vibrant appearance, highlighting simple ingredients in a final textured, golden-brown finish.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or pizza stone
- Oven
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough preferably room temperature
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce preferably seasoned
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
- Fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling and brushing
- Salt to taste for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature, typically 500°F (260°C), and if using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up thoroughly for at least 20 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it carefully onto a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges to form a crust. This helps the toppings stay in place and creates a vibrant, inviting look.
- Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella over the sauce, spacing them out to prevent excessive pooling. The cheese should be evenly distributed for an ideal melt and appearance.
- Transfer the pizza on the parchment to the preheated oven or pizza stone using a baking peel or sheet. Bake until the crust is golden and slightly blistered, about 10-12 minutes, while the cheese bubbles and browns just slightly.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately brush the crust with a little olive oil for shine and flavor. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to settle.
- Toss torn basil leaves over the hot pizza to release their aroma and add freshness. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil if desired, and finish with a pinch of salt.
- Slice the pizza into wedges with a sharp pizza cutter or knife, revealing the crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and vibrant basil on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
