Pizza Margherita Recipe Guide

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Pizza Margherita

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling Pin
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• For the Pizza Dough:
• 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¾ cup 180ml warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Toppings:
• 1 cup 240ml crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 8 oz 225g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• 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. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a dough forms.
• Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Step 2: Preheat the Oven
• Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
• Step 3: Shape the Pizza
• Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter.
• Transfer to Baking Sheet: If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour. If using a baking sheet, place the rolled-out dough directly on the sheet.
• Step 4: Add the Toppings
• Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Season with salt and pepper. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added flavor.
• Step 5: Bake the Pizza
• Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or place the baking sheet in. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
• Add Fresh Basil: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves on top.
• Step 6: Serve
• Slice and Enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
• Variations
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetable Toppings: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick.

Keyword Pizza, Pizza Italiana, Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian dish that is beloved for its simplicity and vibrant flavors. Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, it embodies the essence of Italian cooking. From my own personal experience, this recipe is perfect for beginners looking to impress family and friends with a homemade pizza that rivals those from your favorite pizzeria. Let me show you how I make this delightful dish.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Pizza Margherita, expect a light, airy crust with a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The combination of fresh tomatoes and mozzarella creates a delicious, gooey topping that is simply irresistible.

Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Time to Stand: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 2 large pizzas (about 4 slices each)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-400 calories per slice
• Cost of Ingredients: $10-$15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough hook
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Oven
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pizza Margherita now.

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup (240ml) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pizza Margherita now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. 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. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

5. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

Step 3: Shape the Pizza

6. Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a circle about 10-12 inches in diameter.
7. Transfer to Baking Sheet: If using a pizza stone, transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with flour. If using a baking sheet, place the rolled-out dough directly on the sheet.

Step 4: Add the Toppings

8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Season with salt and pepper. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
9. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza

10. Bake the Pizza: Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or place the baking sheet in. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Add Fresh Basil: Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves on top.

Step 6: Serve

12. Slice and Enjoy: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetable Toppings: Add sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra flavor.
• Spicy Version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick.

Tips

• Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest tomatoes and mozzarella you can find for the best flavor.
• Dough Resting: Allowing the dough to rest for longer can improve the texture, so feel free to rise for up to 2 hours if time permits.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Pizza Margherita now.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based mozzarella cheese.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Substitute flour with almond flour and use a low-carb pizza base.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 300-400 (per slice)
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

I hope this guide has made making Pizza Margherita seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!