Margherita Pizza Recipe

The Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian dish, renowned for its simple yet delightful combination of flavors. This pizza harmoniously balances a crispy, thin crust with the fresh and vibrant taste of tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves. Named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, this pizza’s red, white, and green colors mimic the Italian flag. The Margherita Pizza is a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when used correctly, can create an exquisite culinary experience. Prepare to enjoy a pizza that is both elegant and comforting, a true staple of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) of active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir together until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, usually around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
6. Prepare the Base: Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll or stretch the dough into a thin, round circle. If necessary, let the dough rest for a few minutes to make it easier to stretch.
7. Add the Sauce: Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Top with Cheese: Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomato sauce.
9. Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
10. Add Basil and Season: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve: Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and serve hot.

Servings

This recipe makes one 12-14 inch Margherita Pizza, typically serving 2-4 people depending on appetite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tools Needed

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife
• Pastry brush
• Oven mitts
• Cooling rack

Tips for Preparing Margherita Pizza

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for the freshest tomatoes, high-quality mozzarella, and fresh basil for the best flavor.
2. Perfect Dough: Allow the dough to rise adequately; this impacts both texture and taste. If making dough from scratch, let it rise until it doubles in size, typically around 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to at least 475°F (245°C) to get that perfect, crispy crust.
4. Use a Pizza Stone: If possible, use a pizza stone as it distributes heat more evenly, resulting in a better baked pizza. Preheat the stone along with the oven.
5. Thinly Slice Cheese: Slicing the mozzarella thinly allows it to melt evenly.
6. Avoid Soggy Crust: Be careful not to overload the pizza with sauce or toppings, which can make the crust soggy.
7. Fresh Basil Post-Baking: Add fresh basil leaves to the pizza after baking to prevent them from wilting and turning black from the heat.
8. Rest the Pizza: Let the pizza rest for a couple of minutes before cutting to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Serving and Presentation Recommendations

• Individual Servings: Margherita pizza can be served as individual slices on a large, round wooden board to enhance its rustic appeal.
• Accompaniments: Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the pizza.
• Garnishing: Add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving.
• Cutting and Serving: Use a pizza cutter for uniform slices and provide napkins, as Margherita pizza can be enjoyed as a hands-on meal.

Storage Conditions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices separated by parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and warm the pizza on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Calcium: Cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for bone health.
• High in Protein: Cheese and dough provide proteins, necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• Tomatoes’ Antioxidants: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease.
• Basil’s Nutrients: Fresh basil contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, which helps in blood clotting.

Recommendations for Vegans

• Cheese Replacement: Substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative, available at most grocery stores.
• Dough Check: Ensure the pizza dough does not contain any dairy or eggs, which are sometimes found in pre-made doughs.
• Enhance Flavor: Consider adding extra toppings like roasted vegetables, olives, or sun-dried tomatoes to complement the cheese substitute and intensify the flavor.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Margherita Pizza!