The Classic Margherita Magic Simple Tomato Sauce Pizza Perfection
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- The Secret To Awesome Pizza Sauce
- Get Your Dough Rolling
- Best Pizza Toppings
- Easy Homemade Pizza: Make it a Quick Pizza Dinner
- Let's Talk Ingredients & Kit for the Best Tomato Sauce Pizza
- Margherita Magic: Mastering the Tomato Sauce Pizza
- Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Tomato Sauce Pizza Game
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a slice of Italy without the airfare? Honestly, who doesn't love pizza? This tomato sauce pizza recipe is your ticket to a classic Margherita, exploding with flavour and ridiculously simple to make.
Brief Overview
Margherita pizza hails from Naples, Italy, a tribute to Queen Margherita. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients. This recipe? Easy peasy! It will take about 42 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes depending on your dough.
This pizza sauce homemade will serve about four people.
Main Benefits
This tomato sauce for pizza is packed with antioxidants from the tomatoes. Friday night is pizza night, right? What makes this recipe special is the focus on quality ingredients. Fresh is best!
Ready to get started? Let's talk ingredients.
The Secret To Awesome Pizza Sauce
So, you wanna make the best pizza ever? A stellar pizza sauce recipe is key, mate. It's the heart and soul of your classic Italian pizza .
Honestly, I’ve tried loads of shortcuts, but nothing beats the real deal.
Get Your Dough Rolling
You can use 1 lb pre-made pizza dough for sure. But, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try the homemade pizza dough recipe ? Don't fret if it's not perfect.
Honestly, even wonky pizza tastes amazing.
Best Pizza Toppings
For the best pizza toppings we will want, fresh mozzarella and basil are the stars of the show, adding that classic Margherita zing.
But hey, if you’re feeling wild, chuck on some olives or mushrooms!
Easy Homemade Pizza: Make it a Quick Pizza Dinner
Looking for a quick pizza dinner ? This recipe is the answer. It's way quicker than ordering in, and tastes a million times better.
Honestly, once you nail this easy pizza sauce , you'll never look back. You can even make a Margherita pizza recipe in under an hour.
Let's Talk Ingredients & Kit for the Best Tomato Sauce Pizza
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. We're making a seriously good tomato sauce pizza , and that means getting the right stuff.
Forget faffing about. This is easy homemade pizza territory, perfect for a quick pizza dinner . Honestly, you won't believe how easy it is.
Main Ingredients: Keeping it Real
Listen up, quality is key. This ain't no time for scrimping.
- Active Dry Yeast: 1 tsp (5 ml). If it doesn't foam in warm water, bin it. It's dead, Jim!
- Warm Water (105- 115° F / 40- 46° C): ½ cup (120 ml). Think lukewarm bath water, not scalding.
- Sugar: 1 tsp (5 ml). Just a smidge to feed the yeast.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250 g) + more for dusting. Strong flour makes a better crust, trust me.
- Salt: ¾ tsp (4 g). Don't forget it! It brings out the flavour.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml). Extra virgin is always a good shout.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Again, go for a good quality olive oil if you can!
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 800 g) can . San Marzano tomatoes? Chef's kiss . Seriously elevates your pizza sauce recipe .
- Dried Oregano: 1 tsp (5 ml). Go easy, it can overpower.
- Salt: ½ tsp (3 g), or to taste. Seasoning is everything!
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1 g), or to taste. Freshly ground is a treat.
- Sugar: ½ tsp (3 ml). It balances the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces (225 g), sliced or shredded. The creamy star of the show for our Margherita pizza recipe .
- Fresh Basil Leaves: ½ cup (loosely packed). Adds that classic Italian flavour.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml), for drizzling.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up (Or Keep it Simple)
Oregano is your main man here. Garlic adds a punch. I sometimes throw in a pinch of chilli flakes for a kick.
For a subtler, sweeter flavor, you can try adding a bit of dried basil with the oregano. It's how Nonna would do it.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid
- Large Mixing Bowl: For the dough, obviously.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Because precision matters.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: Stone gives a crispier base. I swear by it.
- Pizza Peel: Makes life a whole lot easier. A large spatula can work in a pinch!
- Rolling Pin: If you're making the dough from scratch, that is!
- Large Skillet: For simmering that gorgeous tomato sauce for pizza .
And that's it! Nothing too fancy. Now, let's get cooking. You are gonna have classic Italian pizza in no time!
Margherita Magic: Mastering the Tomato Sauce Pizza
Fancy a taste of Italy without forking out for a flight? Making your own tomato sauce pizza is easier than you think! This classic Italian pizza recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and simple steps.
We'll go from zero to "bellissimo" in no time, even if you're a bit of a disaster in the kitchen.
Trust me, if I can do it, you can! My first attempt was a soggy mess, but practice makes perfect, yeah?
Prep Like a Pro: Setting the Stage for Pizza Perfection
Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your mise en place sorted. Chop your garlic, slice your mozzarella, and get that basil washed and ready to go.
This saves time and keeps you from panicking later. Honestly, there’s nothing worse than realizing you're out of garlic mid-sauce simmer.
Essential mise en place really helps. Safety first! Especially when dealing with a hot oven. Make sure your oven mitts are within easy reach.
step-by-step to Tomato Sauce Pizza Homemade Goodness
Okay, let's get cooking! Here's how to make a tomato sauce for pizza that will have your friends begging for the pizza sauce recipe .
- Dough Time (or Cheat Time): Either make your homemade pizza dough recipe (see ingredients above) or, if you're feeling lazy, preheat your oven to 450° F / 232° C and grab some shop bought dough. No judgement here!
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a pan. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant about 30 seconds.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in 1 (28 ounce / 800 g) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp sugar (optional). Simmer for about 15 minutes , until thickened.
- Assemble the Masterpiece: Shape your dough. Spread on the easy pizza sauce . Sprinkle with 8 ounces of mozzarella. Add fresh basil. Drizzle with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Bake it! Bake for 12- 15 minutes , until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Pro Tips for Pizza Prowess
Want to elevate your tomato sauce pizza game? First off, don't overload your pizza! Too much sauce makes for a soggy bottom.
Next, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce for a little kick. And, make-ahead options are always a plus: the tomato sauce can be made a day in advance.
Honestly? You want the best pizza toppings , right?
Now go forth and make the quick pizza dinner of your dreams!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Tomato Sauce Pizza Game
This isn't just any pizza sauce recipe , it's the recipe that'll make your Tuesday feel like a Friday night.
We're talking proper easy homemade pizza vibes. Honestly, I've made this so many times. One time, I was so busy I used store-bought dough, but even then, the tomato sauce for pizza made it taste amazing.
You know? Little tweaks can make a big difference. Now, here are some tips to make it your own.
Ace Your Plating with These Serving Suggestions
Presentation, mate, is everything. Think about it: a nicely plated dish just tastes better, doesn't it?
- Pizza Sauce Homemade is key here. Scatter some fresh basil leaves after baking for a pop of colour and freshness.
- Serve with a crisp side salad drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, try it with a classic Italian Soda , or a cheeky glass of chilled Prosecco for a bit of sparkle.
- Cut into even slices and arrange artfully on a wooden board for that authentic trattoria feel.
Top-Notch Storage Tips
Right, let's talk leftovers (if there are any!).
- Refrigerate leftover tomato sauce pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also use a skillet on the stovetop for a crispier base. Honestly, the microwave can make it a bit soggy.
- Freezing? Not really recommended. The texture of the cheese and crust can change.
Variations: Mix It Up
Want to put your own spin on this classic Italian pizza ? Go for it!
- Dietary adaptation : For a vegan version, use a plant based mozzarella alternative. You'll find loads in supermarkets these days. Also, ensure your pizza sauce recipe doesn't contain any sneaky animal products.
- Seasonal ingredient swaps : In the autumn, roast some butternut squash and add it as a topping along with a sprinkle of sage. Amazing!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Slice
Let's keep it real. It's Easy Pizza Sauce , we all know pizza isn't exactly health food. But homemade is always better.
And who wouldn't say this Quick Pizza Dinner is the bomb?
- One slice of this tomato sauce pizza contains approximately 450 calories .
- It also provides a good source of protein and calcium (from the mozzarella), as well as lycopene from the tomatoes. (That's the good stuff, innit?).
- Remember, this is an estimate and can vary based on your ingredients.
So, there you have it. Follow these tips, and you'll be a Margherita pizza recipe champion in no time. Experiment, have fun, and remember, the best Best pizza toppings are the ones you love! Now, get baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-made dough for this tomato sauce pizza recipe? I'm a bit of a beginner in the kitchen!
Absolutely! Using pre-made pizza dough is a brilliant shortcut, especially if you're new to pizza making. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping it. This will make it much easier to work with, and you'll still get a cracking tomato sauce pizza in the end!
My tomato sauce always seems a bit bland. Any tips for making a more flavourful tomato sauce pizza?
Ah, a common problem! Don't be shy with your garlic and oregano in the sauce; a good pinch of each will go a long way. A little sugar can also balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and help round out the flavour.
Also, simmering the sauce for a bit longer allows the flavours to meld together beautifully think of it like a proper Sunday gravy!
How do I stop my tomato sauce pizza from going soggy?
Soggy bottom blues are the worst! Firstly, don't overload the pizza with sauce a thin, even layer is best. Also, ensure your oven is scorching hot preheating a pizza stone is a game changer if you have one.
Some folks swear by putting a thin layer of cheese down first, then the sauce, and then the rest of the cheese to create a barrier against the crust getting wet.
What are some good variations I can try with this tomato sauce pizza recipe? I'm feeling adventurous!
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce will add a lovely kick, or you could brush the crust with garlic infused olive oil before baking for an extra layer of flavour. For a twist on the classic Margherita, try adding a scattering of roasted vegetables like peppers or courgettes.
Get creative and make it your own, like you're on The Great British Bake Off!
How long does leftover tomato sauce pizza last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover pizza? If you must! Properly stored, it should be good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in cling film or foil, or place them in an airtight container.
Reheating in a hot oven or under the grill (broiler) will help to crisp up the crust again, avoiding that sad, microwaved texture.
The Classic Margherita Magic Simple Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |