Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Pizza Assembly
- 5
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once risen, punch down the dough and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch round.
- 7
Add the Sauce
Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese and Basil
Tear the fresh mozzarella into chunks and distribute it over the sauce. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top.
- 9
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the pizza and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 11
Slice and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven. Let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.