Italian

Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza
Transport your kitchen to Naples with this quintessential Margherita pizza, where high-quality ingredients take center stage. The perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, creamy melted mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil sits atop a beautifully charred, airy crust.

Prep

20m

Cook

10m

Serves

2


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
2 cups 250 g Type 00 Flour
0.7 cup 165 ml Warm Water
1 tsp 5 g Fine Sea Salt
0.5 tsp 2 g Active Dry Yeast
0.8 cup 200 g San Marzano Canned Tomatoes
5 oz 150 g Fresh Mozzarella di Bufala
8 leaves 5 g Fresh Basil Leaves
1 tbsp 15 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Method

1

Step 1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water and yeast; let it stand for 5 minutes until slightly foamy. Gradually add the flour and sea salt, mixing 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 in a warm spot for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

3

Step 3. Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven and preheat to its highest setting (500°F-550°F / 260°C-290°C) for at least 45 minutes.

4

Step 4. Prepare the sauce by crushing the San Marzano tomatoes by hand in a bowl with a pinch of salt; do not over-blend.

5

Step 5. Divide the dough into two balls. Gently stretch one ball into a 12-inch circle on a piece of parchment paper or a floured pizza peel, leaving the edges slightly thicker than the center.

6

Step 6. Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.

7

Step 7. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

8

Step 8. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Dry your mozzarella: Slice the cheese and let it sit on paper towels for 30 minutes to prevent a soggy crust.

  • ·

    Use a pizza stone: High thermal mass is essential for getting that restaurant-style blistered bottom.

  • ·

    Don't over-sauce: Too much tomato sauce will make the dough limp; a thin layer is all you need.

  • ·

    Cold ferment: For better flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.

? FAQ

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of '00' flour?
Yes, you can, but '00' flour is more finely ground and results in a silkier dough and a crispier, airier crust.
Why is my pizza soggy in the middle?
This usually happens from too much sauce or using high-moisture mozzarella. Ensure you drain the cheese well before using.
Should I cook the tomato sauce first?
No, authentic Neapolitan pizza uses raw crushed tomatoes that cook quickly in the high heat of the oven, preserving their fresh flavor.
When is the best time to add the basil?
Adding it immediately after the pizza comes out of the oven prevents the leaves from turning black and bitter in the high heat.

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