Classic Italian Margherita Pizza
Prep Time
2 hours (including dough rising time)
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 10 minutes
Servings
4
Yield
1 large pizza
Calories
Approximately 300 calories per slice
The Classic Italian Margherita Pizza is a testament to the beauty of simplicity in Italian cuisine.
This iconic dish features a thin, crispy crust topped with a vibrant tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.
Each ingredient is chosen for its quality and freshness, coming together to create a harmonious blend of flavors that celebrate the colors of the Italian flag.
Perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a gathering with friends, the Margherita Pizza offers a slice of Italian culinary tradition that is both comforting and utterly delicious.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of instant yeast
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 3/4 cup of warm water
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup of tomato sauce (preferably homemade)
- 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Dough Preparation:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the olive oil and warm water, and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and transfer it to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Slice and serve hot.
Tips & Tricks
- For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality ingredients, especially the mozzarella and tomato sauce.
- Allowing the dough to rise in a warm, draft-free area will ensure a light and airy crust.
- Preheating the pizza stone helps to achieve a crispy bottom crust.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Experiment with adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra flavor dimension.
Mise en Place
Ingredients
Utensils
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Warm water
- Tomato sauce
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Large bowl
- Damp cloth
- Pizza stone (optional)
- Pizza peel or inverted baking sheet
- Oven
Knives
Pots & Pans
Air Fryer
Storage
Cookbook
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