Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a few high-quality ingredients, this pizza showcases the essence of Italian cuisine.
- Authenticity: This recipe stays true to traditional methods, offering an authentic taste of Naples.
- Quick Preparation: Despite its classic appeal, this pizza can be prepared and baked in under two hours.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1 pinch white sugar
- ¼ cup flour for dusting
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 20 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 20 leaves fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix 3½ cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 package of active dry yeast, and a pinch of white sugar. Let it stand until the yeast forms a creamy foam, about 5 minutes. Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring until no dry spots remain. Add the remaining flour mixture, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. When the dough pulls together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes.
-
First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a light cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F) until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
-
Divide and Shape: Punch the dough down, divide it into 4 equal pieces, and form each into a ball.
-
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven with a pizza stone to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
-
Assemble the Pizzas: Stretch out and pat each dough ball to form a circle 10 to 12 inches in diameter. Place each on a lightly floured pizza peel. Spread ½ cup of tomato sauce over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Arrange 5 slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, then place 5 basil leaves on top. Drizzle each pizza with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
-
Bake: Slide each pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the underside of the crust is golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 pizzas
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (for dough rising)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dough.
- Vegan Version: Replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Mix dried oregano or thyme into the dough for added flavor.
- Additional Toppings: While traditional Margherita pizza is simple, you can add toppings like sliced tomatoes or olives if desired.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pizza in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
What is the origin of Pizza Margherita?
Pizza Margherita originated in Naples, Italy, and is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
While homemade dough offers the best flavor and texture, store-bought dough can be used as a convenient alternative.
How can I achieve a crispy crust?
Using a preheated pizza stone and baking at a high temperature helps achieve a crispy crust.
Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella provides a superior taste and texture, but shredded mozzarella can be used if necessary.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
What type of tomatoes should I use for the sauce?
San Marzano tomatoes are traditionally used for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the tomato sauce is not too watery and avoid overloading the pizza with toppings.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What is the best temperature to bake Pizza Margherita?
A preheated oven at 500 degrees F (260 degrees C) will help achieve a crisp crust and melt the cheese perfectly.
Can I add more cheese to the pizza?
You can, but for an authentic Margherita, it’s best to keep the toppings simple and allow the flavors to shine through.
Conclusion
Authentic Pizza Margherita is the perfect combination of simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this recipe provides an authentic taste of Italy that’s sure to impress. With its thin, crispy crust, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s a pizza that celebrates the beauty of simplicity in the best possible way. Enjoy this classic pizza and savor the delicious flavors of Naples in your own kitchen!
Authentic Pizza Margherita
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 pizzas
- Category: Main Course, Italian, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create an authentic Pizza Margherita in the comfort of your kitchen with this traditional recipe from Naples. Featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves, this simple yet delicious pizza is a celebration of Italian flavors. The vibrant red, white, and green colors represent the Italian flag, making it a true Italian classic. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 1 package (0.25 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1 pinch white sugar
- ¼ cup flour for dusting
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 20 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 20 leaves fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix 3½ cups of flour with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- In a separate large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water, 1 package of active dry yeast, and a pinch of white sugar. Let it sit until the yeast forms a creamy foam (about 5 minutes).
- Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the yeast mixture and stir until no dry spots remain. Add the remaining flour mixture in ½ cup increments, mixing well after each addition.
- When the dough pulls together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes).
-
First Rise
- Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in it, and turn to coat with oil.
- Cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm place (80 to 95 degrees F) until doubled in volume (about 1 hour).
-
Divide and Shape
- Punch down the dough, divide it into 4 equal pieces, and form each piece into a ball.
-
Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone inside.
-
Assemble the Pizzas
- Stretch each dough ball into a 10–12 inch circle. Place each circle on a lightly floured pizza peel.
- Spread ½ cup of pizza sauce over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange 5 slices of mozzarella cheese on each pizza and top with 5 basil leaves. Drizzle each pizza with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt to taste.
-
Bake
- Slide each pizza onto the preheated pizza stone in the oven. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown (5 to 7 minutes).
Notes
- For a crispy crust, use a preheated pizza stone and bake at a high temperature.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use plant-based mozzarella cheese as an alternative.
- Store any leftover pizza in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
