Ingredients
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Flatbread: 4 large flatbreads (Naan, stone-fired pizza crusts, or large, thick pitas all work well)
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Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin, plus more for drizzling
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Garlic: 1 clove, minced (optional, for brushing on the crust)
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Crushed Tomatoes: 1 cup, high-quality (preferably San Marzano)
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Fresh Mozzarella: 8 ounces, packed in water, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
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Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 cup, loosely packed
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Salt: ½ teaspoon, for the sauce, plus flaky sea salt for finishing
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Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground
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Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, freshly grated (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
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Preheat Your Oven: Place a large baking sheet in the oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Heating the baking sheet along with the oven will help create a crispier bottom crust, mimicking the effect of a pizza stone.
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Prepare the Garlic Oil (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the minced garlic.
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Pre-Bake the Flatbreads: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Place the flatbreads on it. Brush the tops lightly with the garlic oil (or plain olive oil). Bake for 3-5 minutes, just until the flatbreads are slightly toasted and firm to the touch. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy crust.
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Prepare the Sauce and Cheese: While the flatbreads are pre-baking, prepare your other ingredients. In a small bowl, season the 1 cup of crushed tomatoes with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Slice your mozzarella and pat it very dry with paper towels.
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Assemble the Pizzas: Remove the pre-baked flatbreads from the oven. Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned crushed tomatoes over each flatbread, leaving a small border around the edge. Remember, less is more with a Margherita. Arrange the slices of dried fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle with the optional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick of salty, nutty flavor.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the topped flatbreads back into the 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn golden in spots, and the edges of the flatbread are golden brown and crisp.
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Finish with Flair: Remove the pizzas from the oven. Immediately scatter the fresh basil leaves over the hot pizzas. The residual heat will wilt them slightly and release their incredible aroma. For a final touch of elegance and flavor, give each pizza a light drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
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Serve Immediately: Let the pizzas rest for a minute, then slice and serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450-550 kcal