There are so many different combinations of pizza to create. I particularly like this one, because it’s easy, quick and always a crowd pleaser. It’s named after one of my daughters, and based on the classic Margherita pizza. I prefer to buy the pre-made crust, because the whole purpose of pizza night is to keep it simple. This recipe incorporates a pre-made or cooked thin pizza crust. I like Mama Mary’s. Here is the link. Mama Mary’s. If you have time to make a homemade pizza crust here is my recipe.

Homemade Pizza Crust

If you are making one large pizza (or two small) this recipe works well. Start by putting 2 cups of all-purpose flour in a bowl, then add about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of sugar. I then drizzle in a little olive oil. Fill a measuring cup with warm water and dissolve 1 packet of rapid rise yeast and mix it well. Then add that to the flour mixture and mix well. The dough will immediately form together. If not, and it’s too wet add more flour, or if too dry add a few drops of water a few at a time. Form the dough into a ball and drizzle olive oil over it to coat it, then cover it with a clean dish towel and put in a warm place to rise. Check it every 30 minutes and knead it to get out the air, then cover it again letting it rise three times, so you will need to give yourself at least 1 ½ hours to make the dough, keep it covered until you are ready to use it.

Directions for a pre-made pizza crust:

Spread extra virgin olive oil on the pizza crust. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Hopefully you have already tried my tomato sauce recipe here is the link: Mariooch’s Homemade Tomato Sauce. Spread it on the pizza crust. Then, cut thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and dice into large chunks, and add to the pizza. I added dollops of tomato paste too, to give it the deep rich color you see in this photo. I use the tomato paste in the tube, this way you can control how much you use and what you don’t use will not go to waste.

Wash and dry your basil leaves. They will bruise easily so be careful. Add them to the pizza. Grate parmesan cheese over the pizza, and lastly sprinkle on the seasoning of your choice, a little salt and some crushed oregano or Italian Seasoning. Put it in the oven for about 10 minutes until it bubbles and the cheese is all melted.

Directions for homemade pizza crust:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. While the oven is heating up, take the ball of dough and roll it out onto a clean counter or pastry board. Put some flour down first so the dough does not stick. Then roll out the dough in every direction so it forms a circle. I have not learned how to hand toss the pizza yet! Then, prepare your pizza tin by covering it with olive oil, this is important you don’t want the pizza to stick. Then, put down the dough onto the pizza tin and add the tomato sauce, the dollops of tomato paste, the diced mozzarella cheese, parmesan, oregano or Italian seasonings blend for a more complex taste and salt. Put it in the oven on the middle rack for about 10 minutes, and then turn it. This is a good time to add the fresh basil, otherwise the basil may burn. When the crust is brown and cheese is bubbling it is done.

Use a pizza cuter to slice pieces and serve with my delcious Argula Salad on top of the slices and eat that way, so healthy, delicious and an easy meal for a busy family.