Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza topped 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, 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 activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
First Rise
Place the dough in a 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 and Baking
- 5
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone inside if you have one.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch round pizza base.
- 7
Add Sauce and Cheese
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a small border. Tear fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce.
- 8
Drizzle and Season
Drizzle olive oil on top and season with salt to taste.
- 9
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 10
Add Basil
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.