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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Dry your mozzarella: Slice the cheese and let it sit on paper towels for 30 minutes to prevent a soggy crust.
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Use a pizza stone: High thermal mass is essential for getting that restaurant-style blistered bottom.
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Don't over-sauce: Too much tomato sauce will make the dough limp; a thin layer is all you need.
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Cold ferment: For better flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
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