Margherita Pizza Recipe

Preparation and Cooking

1. 1

   Prepare the Dough

   In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour, mixing until a dough forms.

2. 2

   Knead the Dough

   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

3. 3

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.

4. 4

   Assemble the Pizza

   Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone. Spread the sliced tomatoes evenly over the dough, add the minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Add Cheese and Bake

   Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella over the top of the tomatoes. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

6. 6

   Garnish and Serve

   Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before slicing and serving.