Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with fresh mozzarella and 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 (about 110°F) and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead Dough
Mix until a dough forms, then turn it out onto a floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Assembling Pizza
- 5
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- 6
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough out into a 12-inch round.
- 7
Add Sauce and Cheese
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking tray. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base, leaving a small border. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly on top of the sauce.
- 8
Drizzle and Season
Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- 9
Bake Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking tray in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 10
Add Basil
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves on top.
- 11
Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, slice it, and serve hot.