Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.
- 4
Knead Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 5
Let Dough 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.
Pizza Assembly
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (around 475°F or 245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- 7
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- 8
Add Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 9
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute them evenly over the tomato sauce.
- 10
Season
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and drizzle olive oil over the top.
- 11
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to a baking sheet or a pizza stone and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- 12
Add Basil
Once out of the oven, top the pizza with fresh basil leaves and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.