Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- 4
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Assembling the Pizza
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- 7
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch round pizza base.
- 8
Add Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 9
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce.
- 10
Drizzle Olive Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the pizza and sprinkle salt to taste.
- 11
Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the preheated pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 12
Add Basil
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top of the pizza while it's still hot.
- 13
Slice and Serve
Allow the pizza to cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve hot.