Margherita Pizza Recipe
Tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- 4
Let it Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover 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 the highest temperature (usually around 475°F or 245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch round pizza shape.
- 7
Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute it over the sauce. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- 8
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza onto a baking sheet or the preheated pizza stone. Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 9
Add Basil
Once the pizza is out of the oven, immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with olive oil.
- 10
Serve
Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!
