Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian pizza that’s beloved for its simplicity and freshness. Made with a thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil, this pizza is a true celebration of quality ingredients.
📋 Ingredients:
For the Pizza Dough:
🍞 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
🍞 1 tsp salt
🍯 1 tsp sugar
🍞 1 tsp active dry yeast
🥛 3/4 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
🧈 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
🍅 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or a good quality store-bought)
🧀 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
🌿 Fresh basil leaves
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🌿 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
🌿 Optional: A pinch of dried oregano
📝 Directions:
- Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: 🍞 In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: 🍞 In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough: 🍞 Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Let the Dough Rise: 🍞 Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Prepare the Toppings:
- Slice the Mozzarella: 🧀 Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese and set it aside.
- Preheat Oven: 🔥 Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Shape the Dough: 🍕 Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll out each piece into a thin circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter.
- Add the Sauce: 🍅 Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a pizza peel. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Add the Cheese and Basil: 🍕 Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and optionally, a sprinkle of dried oregano.
- Bake the Pizza:
- Bake: 🍕 Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: 🌿 Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle a little extra-virgin olive oil over the top.
- Slice and Serve: 🍽️ Slice the pizza and serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
🍽 Serve:
Enjoy your classic and delicious Pizza Margherita, a perfect dish that embodies the flavors of Italy!
⏱ Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
⏱ Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🍽 Servings: 2 10-12 inch pizzas
🔥 Calories: 300 kcal per serving
💡 Notes:
- For an even more authentic flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pizza directly on the oven rack for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Enjoy your beautifully simple and flavorful Pizza Margherita! 🍕✨