Margherita Pizza Recipe
Tomato, mozzarella, and basil pizza.
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Ingredients
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Dough
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- 2
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is foamy, add it to the flour mixture along with olive oil.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix until a dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- 4
Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Assembling the Pizza
- 5
Preheat the Oven
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- 6
Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch round or stretch it by hand.
- 7
Add Tomato Sauce
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 8
Add Cheese
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and distribute it evenly over the tomato sauce.
- 9
Season and Add Basil
Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese.
- 10
Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pizza for extra flavor.
- 11
Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the heated pizza stone) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- 12
Cool and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot.