Classic Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe 🍕✨
Transport yourself to Italy with this classic Margherita Pizza! With a light, chewy crust, vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, it’s a simple yet elegant dish that embodies the beauty of Italian cuisine. Perfect for pizza night or any time you crave authentic flavors.
🟣 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
For the Pizza Toppings:
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves
🟪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Combine ingredients: Add flour, olive oil, sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead: On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Heat oil: In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened. Let cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Roll out dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer to parchment paper for easy handling.
- Add sauce: Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Top with mozzarella: Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the sauce. Drizzle with olive oil.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake pizza: Slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Cook: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Add basil: Immediately sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.
- Slice and enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve warm. Pair with a glass of wine for the ultimate Italian experience!
🌟 Tips for Success
- Warm Water for Yeast: Ensure the water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and basil elevate the flavor and authenticity of this pizza.
- Preheat Your Stone: A hot pizza stone or baking sheet ensures a crispy crust.
- Customize Thickness: Roll the dough thin for a crispy crust or slightly thicker for a chewy texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Q: Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?
A: Absolutely! While homemade sauce adds freshness, store-bought works for a quicker option.
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! After kneading, freeze the dough in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let it rise before using.
🚩 Common Mistakes and Solutions
Mistake: Soggy crust.
- Solution: Use a preheated pizza stone and don’t overload with sauce or toppings.
Mistake: Overcooked toppings.
- Solution: Tear mozzarella into larger pieces and bake just until melted.
Mistake: Tough crust.
- Solution: Avoid overworking the dough and ensure it rests properly.
This Classic Italian Margherita Pizza combines simple, high-quality ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s a recipe that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite! 🍕✨
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