Mouthwatering Pizza Margherita Recipe You Need to Try
Hey there, pizza lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for a classic Pizza Margherita. This simple yet delicious pizza brings the authentic taste of Italy right into your kitchen.
Why Will You Love this Recipe?
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a pizza that’s both authentic and incredibly tasty. No need for anything fancy here!
- Fun to Make: Making pizza from scratch is a fun activity for all ages. It’s a great way to get the family involved in the kitchen.
- Delicious Results: The combination of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce is absolutely irresistible. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Feel free to top your pizza with some grilled chicken or pepperoni if you want to add a bit of protein.
- Veggie Delight: Load it up with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for a more hearty meal.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to give your pizza a unique flavor twist.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowl: For combining your dough ingredients and allowing it to rise.
- Baking Sheet or Pizza Stone: To bake your pizza evenly and achieve that perfect crust.
FAQ
Can I Freeze the Pizza Dough?
Yes, you can! After the dough has risen, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It will keep well for up to three months.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza?
Place leftover slices in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days.
How Long Does the Pizza Last?
When stored properly in the fridge, your pizza will be good for about three days. For the best taste, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave.
What Can I Serve with Pizza Margherita?
A fresh green salad or some garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this pizza. It’s also great with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Every Diet?
This pizza is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, you can use dairy-free cheese and ensure the dough ingredients are plant-based.
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour?
Absolutely! Using whole wheat flour will give the crust a heartier texture and add some extra nutrients.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Pizza Capricciosa
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Loaded Pepperoni Pizza with Sour Cream
- Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza with Veggies
- Mortadella and Pistachio Pizza
- Garlic Bread Pull Apart
Pizza Margherita
This Pizza Margherita recipe is a delightful way to bring the taste of Italy into your home. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give this pizza recipe from scratch a try for your next pizza night or casual gathering. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Equipment
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 3 ⅓ cups pizza flour type 00, about 400 grams
- 0.25 oz fresh yeast or 1 teaspoon active dry yeast, about 7 grams fresh or 3 grams dry
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water 240 ml
Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups tomato passata 300 grams
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese for pizza 350 grams
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- A few fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Pizza Dough
- Place the flour in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the salt around the edges of the bowl, keeping it away from where you’ll add the yeast.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the crumbled fresh yeast. Pour the warm water over the yeast.
- Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, knead the dough by hand for 10-15 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Lightly coat the dough and the inside of the bowl with a bit of olive oil. Cover the dough with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the dough to prevent it from drying out. Allow room for the dough to expand.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for at least one hour.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and mix well.
Shaping the Dough
- After the dough has risen, divide it into three equal parts for three pizzas.
- Lightly knead each portion and let them rest on a warm spot for about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle some flour on a piece of parchment paper or your work surface.
- Using your fingers, shape each dough ball into a disk. Gently press and stretch the dough from the center outward, aiming for a thinner center and slightly thicker edges. You can also lift the dough and use your thumbs to stretch it into a circle.
Assembling and Baking the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 435°F (225°C). If your oven can go higher, you can adjust the temperature accordingly.
- Spread the sauce evenly over each dough circle.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with dried basil.
- Bake each pizza in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately brush the entire surface, including the crust, with olive oil using a pastry brush.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!
