Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh 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. Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour along with olive oil.
- 3
Knead Dough
Mix until a dough forms, then transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Rise Dough
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 the Pizza
- 5
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- 6
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- 7
Add Sauce
Transfer the shaped dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese and Basil
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute it evenly over the sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
- 9
Drizzle Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the pizza to enhance flavor.
- 10
Bake Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated oven or onto the pizza stone. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- 11
Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, allow it to cool for a minute, slice it up, and serve hot.