Margherita Pizza Recipe

Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian pizza made with fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and aromatic basil on a crispy crust. This Best Margherita Pizza Recipe is easy to make and showcases the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients. With a golden-brown crust and a perfect balance of flavors, this pizza is a delicious choice for any occasion. Serve it hot, and enjoy the taste of authentic Italian pizza in your own kitchen!

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Prep Time 1 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 35

Course Main Course, Snack

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Pizza stone or baking sheet
Rolling Pin
Pizza Cutter

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
1 tsp sugar
1 cup warm water 110 F/ 45 C
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup tomato sauce
8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
2 medium tomatoes thinly sliced
8-10 fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
Mix to form a dough, then knead for 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven
Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes to ensure it’s very hot for baking.
3. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions (if making two pizzas).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or your desired thickness.
Carefully transfer the rolled dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel.
4. Assemble the Pizza
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
Add sliced fresh mozzarella evenly across the pizza.
Place the tomato slices on top of the mozzarella.
Tear or leave the fresh basil leaves whole, then scatter them on the pizza.
5. Bake the Pizza
Slide the pizza (along with the parchment paper if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Drizzle the pizza with extra virgin olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, if desired.
6. Serve
Slice and serve the Margherita pizza hot. Enjoy with a light salad or as a perfect Italian-style snack!

Notes

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality olive oil are key to achieving an authentic Margherita pizza.
Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour during kneading.
Pizza Stone: Using a pizza stone creates a crispier crust. If you don’t have one, a preheated baking sheet works well too.
Homemade Tomato Sauce: If you have time, make your own sauce by blending San Marzano tomatoes with a pinch of salt, olive oil, and fresh garlic for the best flavor.