Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Italy with our Classic Margherita Pizza recipe, a timeless favorite that celebrates the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking. This recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella cheese atop a perfectly baked crust.

The Margherita Pizza is not just a dish; it’s a testament to the power of high-quality ingredients speaking for themselves, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Ideal for pizza enthusiasts and novices alike, this recipe offers a slice of Italian tradition that’s guaranteed to impress at any table.

• Dough:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

• Toppings:
• 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Dough:
• In a small bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, until foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a damp cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
• Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically between 220°C to 250°C (425°F to 480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
• Shape the Pizza:
• Punch down the dough and divide it into two balls for two pizzas. On a floured surface, roll out one ball into a thin circle.
• Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper or a preheated pizza stone.
• Add Toppings:
• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Add tomato slices and minced garlic if using.
• Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
• Bake the Pizza:
• Slide the pizza (with the parchment paper if using) onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
• Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, add fresh basil leaves, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
• Serve:
• Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your classic Margherita Pizza.

The Classic Margherita Pizza stands as a pillar of Italian cuisine, embodying the beauty of minimalism in cooking. Through this recipe, you’re invited to experience the rich culinary heritage of Italy in your own kitchen, enjoying the pure, unadulterated flavors that have made this pizza a beloved dish worldwide.

Whether it serves as a quick weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of a gathering with friends, the Margherita Pizza proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most extraordinary. As you savor the last bite, let the freshness of the basil, the sweetness of the tomato, and the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella inspire you to explore more of the authentic tastes that Italian cuisine has to offer.