Italian

Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza
This Margherita pizza is a masterpiece of simplicity, celebrating the colors of the Italian flag with vibrant red tomatoes, creamy white mozzarella, and fragrant green basil. Its light, airy crust and perfectly balanced toppings offer a truly authentic Neapolitan experience in your own kitchen.

Prep

20m

Cook

10m

Serves

4


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
3.5 cups 400 g Type 00 Flour
1.1 cups 260 ml Warm Water
1 tsp 4 g Active Dry Yeast
2 tsp 12 g Fine Sea Salt
1 cup 250 g San Marzano Canned Tomatoes
7 oz 200 g Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
10 leaves 10 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves
2 tbsp 30 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Method

1

Step 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.

2

Step 2. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 2 hours until doubled in size.

3

Step 3. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 500°F (260°C), and place a pizza stone or inverted heavy baking sheet inside to heat for at least 45 minutes.

4

Step 4. Drain the fresh mozzarella and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture. Hand-crush the San Marzano tomatoes in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt.

5

Step 5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Gently stretch each portion into a 10-12 inch circle on a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel.

6

Step 6. Spread a thin layer of the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Top with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil.

7

Step 7. Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 7-10 minutes until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

8

Step 8. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Use a pizza stone or steel for that authentic crispy bottom and airy crust.

  • ·

    Let the dough reach room temperature before stretching to prevent it from snapping back.

  • ·

    Hand-crushing the tomatoes gives the sauce a better, more rustic texture than blending.

  • ·

    Always add the fresh basil after baking to preserve its bright color and delicate aroma.

? FAQ

What is the best flour for pizza dough?
Italian Type 00 flour is ideal for its fine texture and high protein content, which creates a soft, extensible dough with a crispy finish.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While fresh can work, high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes are preferred for their consistent sweetness and low water content.
How do I stop the fresh mozzarella from making the pizza watery?
Slice the mozzarella and let it drain on paper towels for at least 30 minutes before adding it to the pizza to remove excess brine.
What if I don't have a pizza stone?
You can use an inverted heavy baking sheet preheated in the oven, which mimics the heat retention of a stone.

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