Margherita Pizza

1. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or baking steel inside for at least 30 minutes. If you don't have a stone, preheat a baking sheet. 2. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness and size. Carefully transfer it to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel. 3. In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Spread the seasoned tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. 4. Scatter the torn fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. 5. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly with some browned spots. Carefully remove from the oven. Arrange fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and serve immediately.