Margherita Pizza Recipe
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. Stir gently and 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 pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Topping and Baking
- 5
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- 6
Prepare the Pizza Base
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.
- 7
Add Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute it evenly on top of the sauce.
- 9
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the pizza.
- 10
Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment) to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 11
Add Fresh Basil
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool slightly before slicing.