Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, 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, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Dough Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead Dough
Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon and then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Assembling & Baking the Pizza
- 5
Preheat 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 the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch round pizza base.
- 7
Add Tomato Sauce
Transfer the pizza base to 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
Layer the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce, and then sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
- 9
Season and Drizzle
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the parchment paper with the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 11
Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, slice, and enjoy!