Classic Margherita Pizza

There’s nothing quite like a classic Margherita pizza. With its simple yet flavorful combination of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil, it’s a timeless favorite that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious pizza from scratch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (512 g) bread flour or all-purpose flour, plus more for assembly
• 2 to 3 teaspoons (12 g) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (4 g) instant yeast
• 1.75 to 2 cups (400 to 454 g) lukewarm water
• 2 ounces (56 g) tomato sauce
• 3 ounces (85 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Olive oil for drizzling
• A pinch of flaky sea salt
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Gradually add the water, mixing with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms.
3. Drizzle a little oil over the dough and coat evenly.
4. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Place a pizza stone in the oven.
2. Preheat the oven to 550°F (288°C) for at least 45 minutes to ensure it’s thoroughly heated.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

1. On a floured surface, divide the dough into 4 portions.
2. Shape each portion into a ball, then flatten into a 10-12 inch round using minimal handling.

Step 4: Assemble the Pizza

1. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined peel.
2. Spread tomato sauce over the dough.
3. Add sliced mozzarella and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

1. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone.
2. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
2. Cut into slices and serve immediately.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Calories: 250 per serving
• Servings: 4

Conclusion

This Classic Margherita Pizza recipe is straightforward and rewarding, delivering a taste that transports you straight to Naples. With its crispy crust, fresh toppings, and a hint of basil, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making this pizza from scratch, and share the joy of homemade pizza with your loved ones. Buon appetito!

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Feel free to share your experience or any variations you tried in the comments below. Happy cooking!