Classic Margherita Pizza

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon active dry yeast - 1 teaspoon sugar - 1 teaspoon salt - 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano) - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - Fresh basil leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Extra olive oil for drizzling Why use San Marzano tomatoes? San Marzano tomatoes have a sweet taste and low acidity. They are perfect for pizza sauce. Their rich flavor makes your pizza stand out. Fresh mozzarella vs. processed cheese: Fresh mozzarella has a creamy texture. It melts beautifully, giving your pizza that classic look. Processed cheese lacks this quality. Choose fresh for the best taste. Role of fresh basil in flavor enhancement: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note. It balances the rich cheese and sweet tomatoes. Scatter it on top just before serving for the best flavor. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. Start by making the dough. In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it looks frothy. This means the yeast is alive! Next, in a large bowl, mix flour and salt together. Make a well in the center of your flour. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Use a wooden spoon to mix until you form a rough dough. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Now it’s time to let the dough rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Set it in a warm area. Let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven. This helps create a crispy crust. Next, prepare the tomato sauce. In a bowl, season the crushed tomatoes with salt and pepper. You don’t need to cook them! This keeps the sauce fresh and vibrant. Once your dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each into a 10 to 12-inch circle. Carefully move the rolled-out dough onto parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top, making sure to leave a small border for the crust. Now, it's time to add your toppings! Place the mozzarella slices evenly on the pizza. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Slide the pizza, on the parchment, onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the crust to turn golden and the cheese to be bubbly and slightly browned. Once done, take it out and add a few more fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Follow these steps to make a Classic Margherita Pizza, and don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for more details! To get a great crust, start by kneading the dough well. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. This builds strength and helps the dough rise. Use your palms to push the dough down and fold it over. Repeat until it feels smooth and elastic. For a crispy crust, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone inside. The hot stone cooks the bottom fast, giving it a nice crunch. Roll the dough thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps it bake evenly. Seasoning your sauce correctly is key. Use good quality crushed tomatoes like San Marzano. They are sweet and flavorful. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. No cooking is needed; just mix and spread. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pizza before baking. This adds richness and depth. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. A little goes a long way. If your dough isn’t rising, check the water temperature. It should be warm but not hot. Too much heat can kill the yeast. Also, give it enough time to rise in a warm spot. To prevent soggy pizza, avoid using too much sauce. Spread a thin layer over the dough. Make sure the cheese is well-drained too. This keeps the crust crispy. {{image_2}} You can change up your Margherita pizza with different toppings. Try adding various cheeses. A sprinkle of sharp parmesan can make it richer. Or, use burrata for that creamy texture. For veggies, consider bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. These add color and nutrition. If you like meat, slices of prosciutto or pepperoni work well too. Just remember to keep the balance. You want your base flavors to shine through. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour for the crust. Many brands offer good mixes that work well in pizza. Just follow the package instructions for best results. For those who prefer vegan options, try vegan cheese. There are many tasty kinds available today. You can also add toppings like artichokes, olives, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. These enhance flavor without dairy. Want to mix it up? Experiment with sauces! Pesto can add a fresh twist. Spread a thin layer instead of the classic tomato sauce. You can also try a white sauce. A simple blend of ricotta, garlic, and olive oil can create a creamy base. This makes for a unique and tasty pizza. For more tips on creating your pizza masterpiece, check the Full Recipe! Once you finish your delicious pizza, let it cool down. This step helps keep the crust from getting soggy. After cooling, place the pizza in an airtight container. If you don’t have one, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge. It stays good for about three days. To enjoy your pizza again, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the pizza on a baking sheet. Heat it for about 10 to 15 minutes. This warms it through and keeps it crispy. You can also use a skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place the pizza in the skillet, cover it, and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method melts the cheese perfectly. Want to save some pizza for later? You can freeze unbaked pizza. After shaping the dough, add the sauce and toppings. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Preheat your oven and bake as usual. Enjoy your pizza fresh from the oven! Margherita pizza started in Naples, Italy, in the late 1800s. Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and tried a local pizza. The chef, Raffaele Esposito, made her a special pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. These colors matched the Italian flag: red, white, and green. This dish honored the queen and became famous. Today, it is a classic loved worldwide. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Prepare it and let it rise. After rising, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When you are ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping. This way, you save time on pizza night. Margherita pizza pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Simple salad: A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette. - Bruschetta: Toasted bread with tomatoes and basil. - Olives: A small bowl of marinated olives adds a nice touch. - Wine: A light red wine like Chianti or a crisp white pairs well. You can find great Margherita pizza at many places. Look for pizzerias that focus on fresh ingredients. Some notable spots include: - Pizzeria Bianco: Known for its artisanal pies. - Lombardi's: One of New York's first pizzerias. - Pizzana: Famous for its Neapolitan-style pizzas. These places make delicious Margherita pizza that honors its roots. For the detailed cooking instructions, check out the Full Recipe. It will guide you step by step to make your own perfect Margherita pizza at home. Making your own Margherita pizza can be fun and rewarding. With fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella, you'll taste the difference. Following the steps helps you create a perfect crust and delicious toppings. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Don't shy away from experimenting with toppings and sauces. This allows you to personalize every pizza. Enjoy sharing this delicious creation with friends and family. With practice, you’ll master the art of pizza making!$

Classic Margherita Pizza

Discover the incredible taste of Margherita Pizza Delight with this easy-to-follow recipe! With just a few fresh ingredients, including dough made from scratch and rich San Marzano tomatoes, you can create a pizza that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for pizza night or a cozy gathering, this recipe is simpler than you think. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and enjoy a slice of pizza paradise today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Fresh basil leaves

Salt and pepper to taste

Extra olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

Mix Flour and Salt: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Make a well in the center.

Combine Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the well. Mix with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.

Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let it Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, season the crushed tomatoes with salt and pepper. No cooking needed; this ensures a fresh flavor.

Shape the Pizza: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion into a 10-12 inch circle.

Assemble the Pizza: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on top, leaving a small border for the crust.

Add Toppings: Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly on the pizza and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza (on the parchment) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Final Touch: Once out of the oven, add a few more fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 30 min | Servings: 2 pizzas

- Presentation Tips: Cut into wedges and serve on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. Enjoy with extra olive oil or chili flakes on the side!