Description
Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, fragrant basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for pizza enthusiasts looking to enjoy authentic Italian flavors at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
– 3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
– 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
– 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1 tsp salt
For the Sauce:
– 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
– 2 garlic cloves
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– ½ tsp salt
– ¼ tsp black pepper
For Toppings:
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
– Fresh basil leaves
– Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, warm water, yeast, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Craft the Sauce: Blend San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor until smooth. Simmer the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- Assemble the Pizza: On a lightly floured surface, stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle, leaving a slight edge for the crust. Transfer to a cornmeal-dusted pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, followed by slices of fresh mozzarella. Add a few fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake on the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet for 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway through for even browning. The crust should be golden, and the cheese bubbly.
- Serve: Let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
– Use high-quality ingredients: Authentic Margherita pizza relies on premium ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
– Avoid overloading toppings: Keep the toppings minimal to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for best results.
– Vegan option: Substitute mozzarella with plant-based cheese and omit fresh basil garnish if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1–2 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg