Margherita Pizza is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those craving a homemade pizza experience that's both fun and rewarding. Let's dive into crafting this iconic dish!
Active dry yeast is the backbone of our dough, giving it the rise and fluffiness needed for a good crust. The sugar helps activate the yeast, ensuring it gets to work quickly. Flour provides the structure, and using all-purpose flour makes this recipe accessible to most home cooks. A touch of salt enhances the dough's flavor, while olive oil adds richness and helps prevent sticking. For the toppings, fresh mozzarella cheese offers that creamy, melty texture, and ripe tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy brightness. Finally, fresh basil leaves add a fragrant finish that ties everything together.
Pair this Margherita Pizza with a fresh arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the fresh flavors of the pizza beautifully.
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in a small bowl with warm water. This step is crucial for activating the yeast—let it sit for about 10 minutes until it looks creamy and frothy. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Once your yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour along with the olive oil. Stir until everything comes together into a dough.
Flour your countertop lightly and knead the dough for about 6-8 minutes. You're looking for a smooth, elastic texture—it should feel like a soft play dough. When you're done, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour. It's a good time to preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) as the dough rises.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release some of the air. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Whether you like it thin and crispy or thick and chewy, it's totally up to you! Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the surface with olive oil to prevent sogginess and lay down your mozzarella and tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Slide your pizza into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you want a golden brown crust and bubbly cheese. Once it looks perfect, take it out, scatter the basil leaves on top, slice, and serve.
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