Margherita Pizza Recipe

---

Transport yourself to the streets of Naples with this classic Margherita Pizza! Crisp yet chewy homemade pizza dough, topped with vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. Simple yet incredibly flavorful, this traditional pizza is a celebration of fresh ingredients and timeless Italian flavors.

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough:

• 1 pound (about 3 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup lukewarm water

Pizza Toppings:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the pizza dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and lukewarm water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible (usually around 475°F to 500°F/245°C to 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
3. Shape the pizza dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal portions. On a floured surface, roll out each portion of dough into a round circle, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
4. Top the pizza: Spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over each pizza dough round, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Bake the pizza: If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the assembled pizza to the preheated stone in the oven. If baking on a baking sheet, simply place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Finish and serve: Remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional torn basil leaves, if desired. Slice and serve the Margherita Pizza hot, and enjoy the classic flavors of Italy!

Delight in the simple yet exquisite taste of this Margherita Pizza, a timeless Italian favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your homemade pizza repertoire!