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Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe

Learn how to make an authentic Italian Margherita pizza with fresh ingredients and simple steps.

Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe
By PizzaCheeseExpert

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the bread flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Add warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside.
  6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a 12-inch circle on a floured pizza peel.
  7. Spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
  8. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella over the sauce.
  9. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and top with fresh basil leaves.
  11. Season with salt to taste, slice, and serve immediately.

Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe

The Margherita pizza is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine—simple, fresh, and flavorful. With its vibrant colors representing the Italian flag, this pizza is a delightful combination of tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the steps to create an authentic Margherita pizza right in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Margherita pizza was created in 1889 by Neapolitan pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. It's celebrated for its simplicity and use of high-quality ingredients. This recipe stays true to the traditional method, ensuring you experience the authentic taste of Italy.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 ¼ cups (280g) bread flour
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (180ml) warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

  • 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Equipment Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or dough whisk
  • Pizza stone or baking steel
  • Pizza peel or baking sheet
  • Rolling pin (optional, hand-stretching preferred)
  • Saucepan (optional)
  • Cheese grater (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

Activate the Yeast:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast.
  2. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Mix the Dough:

  1. Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
  2. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

  • By Hand: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Using a Stand Mixer: Use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes.

First Rise:

  1. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl.
  2. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth.
  3. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the Oven

  • Place your pizza stone or baking steel in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to its highest setting (500°F to 550°F or 260°C to 290°C).
  • Allow the stone to heat for at least 45 minutes for optimal results.

3. Assemble the Pizza

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles.
  2. On a floured surface, shape the dough into a 12-inch circle by stretching it with your hands.

Add the Toppings:

  1. Spread the crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of the edge for the crust.
  2. Season the tomato layer with a pinch of salt.
  3. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the tomato sauce.
  4. Place fresh basil leaves on top.
  5. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

4. Bake the Pizza

  1. Transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone using a pizza peel.
  2. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  3. Keep an eye on the pizza to prevent burning, as ovens may vary.

5. Serve

  1. Remove the pizza from the oven.
  2. Allow it to cool for a couple of minutes.
  3. Slice into wedges.
  4. Enjoy your homemade classic Margherita pizza!

Tips for Success

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Authentic Margherita pizza relies on the quality of its ingredients—opt for fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh basil.
  • Avoid Overloading Toppings: Less is more; keep the toppings simple to allow the flavors to shine.
  • Stone or Steel: Using a pizza stone or steel helps achieve a crisp crust.
  • Proper Oven Heat: Preheating the oven and baking at a high temperature is crucial for a perfect pizza.

Variations

  • Garlic Infusion: Rub a clove of garlic over the crust before adding toppings for extra flavor.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction over the pizza after baking.
  • Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier crust.

Conclusion

The classic Margherita pizza is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or new to pizza making, this recipe offers a straightforward approach to enjoying authentic Italian pizza at home. Buon appetito!

By PizzaCheeseExpert

Margherita pizzarecipemozzarellapizzaItalian cuisine