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!


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

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Classic Margherita Pizza


  • Author: Dulcia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

There’s something profoundly satisfying about crafting the perfect Margherita Pizza. The vibrant red of the tomato sauce, the creamy white mozzarella, and the fresh green basil represent the Italian flag, bringing not only a burst of colors but also flavors into every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients allows each element to shine through, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that’s both comforting and exhilarating.


Ingredients

Scale

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


Instructions

To make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add the water, mixing with a rubber spatula until a sticky dough forms. Drizzle a little oil over the dough and coat evenly. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven: Place a pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 550°F (288°C) for at least 45 minutes.
Shape the dough: On a floured surface, divide the dough into 4 portions. Shape each into a ball, then flatten into a 10-12 inch round using minimal handling.
Assemble the pizza: Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined peel. Spread tomato sauce over the dough, add mozzarella, and drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt.
Bake the pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. Bake for about 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil, cut into slices, and serve immediately.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
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