Margherita Pizza Recipe
Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
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Ingredients
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Pizza Dough
Pizza Toppings
Method
Prepare the Dough
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix until a dough forms. Knead 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 with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Assemble the Pizza
- 5
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness (about 12 inches in diameter).
- 7
Add Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese and Basil
Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter it over the sauce. Add the fresh basil leaves.
- 9
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the top, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the hot oven (or onto the preheated pizza stone) and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Serve
- 11
Slice and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice it up and serve hot. Garnish with additional basil if desired.