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Fresh Herb Margherita

Fresh Herb Margherita

A classic Italian pizza featuring fresh herbs, ripe tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, celebrating simplicity and quality ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal (for dusting)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  2. Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
  3. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
  4. Brush the dough with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the surface.
  5. Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Season with half the salt and pepper.
  6. Distribute the fresh mozzarella slices across the tomatoes.
  7. Sprinkle the fresh oregano and thyme over the cheese. Reserve the basil for after baking.
  8. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese bubbles.
  9. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and add final salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Let the pizza rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Always bring your pizza dough to room temperature before rolling. Pat tomato slices dry to avoid sogginess. Tear basil leaves instead of cutting to preserve flavor.