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Authentic Margherita Pizza

A close-up of a slice of authentic Margherita pizza, featuring melted mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves.
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Learn to make a classic Margherita pizza at home with a thin, crisp crust, simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  6. Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 500-550°F or 260-290°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half.
  8. On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out one half of the dough into a thin circle, about 12 inches in diameter.
  9. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper.
  10. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
  11. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  12. Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
  13. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  14. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately. Repeat with the second half of the dough.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone or steel.
  • Ensure your oven is fully preheated for best results.
  • Don’t overload the pizza with sauce or cheese, as this can make the crust soggy.
  • Consider using a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/margherita-pizza-recipe/