Keto Easy Margherita Pizza
This classic Italian pizza features a simple yet perfect combination of tangy San Marzano tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil on a crispy crust. Ready in just 15 minutes using store-bought dough, it's an ideal weeknight dinner or casual entertaining option. The key to authentic flavor lies in the quality San Marzano tomatoes, which provide the sweet-tart base that makes this pizza shine. Fresh mozzarella balls create delightful pockets of melted cheese, while the finishing touch of fresh basil and olive oil brings everything together.
Ingredients
- 14 ounce store-bought pizza dough, containerhomemade pizza dough1:1vegetarian
use your favorite recipe
- 28 ounce whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, cannedregular crushed tomatoes1:1budget
slightly less sweet flavor
- 8 ounce mozzarella balls, tubshredded mozzarella1:1convenience
different texture
- 4 basil leavesdried basil1 tsppantry
less fresh flavor
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 425 F
- 2
Unroll the pizza dough and cut to fit on a round baking dish
- 3
Add the tomatoes to a blender and blend until smooth
- 4
Spoon about 1/2 cup blended tomatoes onto the dough, spreading evenly
- 5
Place the mozzarella balls evenly on top of the sauce
- 6
Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes
- 7
Remove from oven and top with basil leaves
- 8
Drizzle with olive oil and serve
Tips
Let pizza dough come to room temperature for easier rolling and shaping
Save leftover tomato sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for another pizza
For crispier crust, prebake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings
Good to Know
Store leftover pizza covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Pizza dough can be rolled and shaped up to 2 hours ahead, covered
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and crust is crispy
Common Mistakes
Don't overload with sauce to avoid soggy crust
Don't skip preheating oven for proper crust texture
Don't add basil before baking as it will burn
Substitutions
use your favorite recipe
slightly less sweet flavor
different texture
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you'll need to cook them down into a sauce first. Canned San Marzanos provide better consistency and flavor for pizza.
What if I don't have a round baking dish?
Any baking sheet or pizza stone works fine. Just shape the dough to fit your pan and adjust baking time if needed.
How long does leftover pizza keep?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness rather than microwaving.