Margherita Pizza

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, typically between 475 to 500 degrees F (245 to 260 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

2. 2

   On a floured surface, stretch out the pizza dough to about 12 inches in diameter. Place the stretched dough onto a pizza peel or a baking sheet if you don't have a pizza stone.

3. 3

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

4. 4

   Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.

5. 5

   Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the cheese and sauce.

6. 6

   Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven.

7. 7

   Bake the pizza for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

8. 8

   While the pizza is baking, chiffonade the fresh basil leaves by stacking them, rolling them tightly, and slicing them into thin ribbons.

9. 9

   Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and immediately sprinkle the fresh basil over the top. Season with salt to taste.

10. 10

    Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.