If you're craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this Margherita Pizza is your ticket to a sun-drenched culinary escape. This recipe blends the classic charm of a traditional Margherita with the bold flavors of feta and sundried tomatoes. It's a pizza lover's dream with a twist!
Every component of this pizza brings something special to the table. Let's break it down:
Pizza dough serves as the foundation. Feel free to use store-bought or homemade for a personal touch. The olive oil brushed on the dough not only adds flavor but also helps achieve a crispy crust. Fresh mozzarella cheese is creamy and melts beautifully, providing a luscious base for the toppings. The feta cheese offers a tangy contrast that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory sundried tomatoes. Fresh basil leaves are added at the end for a burst of aromatic freshness. To spice things up, we use red pepper flakes. And don't forget the dried oregano and sea salt for that classic Italian flavor profile.
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil. For a more indulgent meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). If you're using a pizza stone, place it in the oven now to heat up along with it. Meanwhile, roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it's about 12 inches in diameter. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your dough airy.
Next, take a tablespoon of olive oil and brush it across the entire surface of the dough, paying special attention to the edges. This not only adds flavor but also ensures a crispy crust.
Now, it's time to layer on the cheese. Evenly distribute the fresh mozzarella slices over the dough. You want a good coverage but leave some gaps for the other ingredients. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top, allowing it to nestle between the mozzarella slices.
Scatter the chopped sundried tomatoes over the cheese. The idea is to get a bit of tomato in every bite. Now, sprinkle the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and sea salt over the entire pizza for an extra kick of flavor.
Carefully transfer your assembled pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for about 10-12 minutes. You'll know it's done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling away.
Once out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. The heat from the pizza will slightly wilt them, releasing their aroma and flavor. Slice it up and serve hot!
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