Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe

Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe – Simple, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

Few dishes are as universally loved and instantly recognizable as Italian Margherita pizza. With its thin, crispy crust, vibrant tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant fresh basil, it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when done right, can create something truly spectacular.

Legend has it that this classic pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 1800s, featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Whether or not the story is true, one thing is certain—Margherita pizza is a timeless favorite.

Here’s how you can bring the taste of a traditional Italian pizzeria into your own kitchen with this easy and authentic Margherita pizza recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Dough (makes 2 pizzas):

3 ½ cups (450g) all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or any high-quality canned tomatoes)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
2 cups fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn into pieces)
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Optional: extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:

In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to a large mixing bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
Form the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt. That’s it—no need to cook it! The sauce cooks directly on the pizza in the oven, staying fresh and vibrant.

3. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) or higher if your oven allows. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating for an extra crispy crust.

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