Italian Style Margherita Pizza Recipe
Make Classic Italian-Style Margherita Pizza at Home
Craving a Neapolitan Margherita pizza? Well, now you do not have to wander around for a perfect one, as you can make an authentic version right at your home. A classic Margherita pizza from Naples has a crispy crust with juicy tomato marinara sauce. Topped with fresh basil and cheesy mozzarella, it is truly one of the most favoured dishes out there! With the recipe we have mentioned here, you will be able to make a delicious pizza that tastes just like it came from Italy! So do not give it much thought and grab all the ingredients to make the best homemade Margherita pizza of your dreams.
Learn How to Make Margherita Pizza from Scratch
Making a pizza may seem intimidating, but it is not. A Margherita requires quite basic ingredients, and this simplicity is what makes it truly special. This easy Margherita pizza recipe includes whole-wheat pizza dough and a zesty tomato sauce made from scratch, giving the dish a healthy twist. Without any further delay, let us see how a Margherita pizza can be made at home.
Margherita Pizza Ingredients
Have all these ingredients for Margherita pizza in hand for an efficient cooking process!
Homemade Pizza Dough:
• 2½ cups or 300 g whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Pizza Sauce:
• 1 cup mashed or crushed tomatoes
• 3-4 minced garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
• Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 6-7 large basil leaves
• Dried oregano
• Red chilli flakes
Steps to Make:
Get all the ingredients in the place and follow these simple steps to make a lip-smacking pizza at home!
Step 1: Make the Dough
Take a bowl and add yeast, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set the mixture aside. Throw the wheat flour into a big mixing bowl and slowly pour water to form a soft, elastic dough. You will find the dough sticking to the bowl and your hand when mixing, but don’t worry—it will take some time. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes. Now, it is time to add the yeast mixture. Stretch the dough and fold it multiple times so that the yeast gets fully incorporated. Once done, let it rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare the Sauce
After the dough is ready, preheat your oven to 350 degrees for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce for your homemade Margherita pizza recipe. In a bowl, add all the ingredients for the marinara sauce. You can either simply mix the ingredients with a spatula or even use a hand blender for a smoother consistency.
Step 3: Time to Assemble
Take one of the dough balls on a floured surface. Use both your hands to shape it into an 8—or 10-inch round. The edges can be a little thick, but make sure to keep the centre as thin as possible. Transfer the shaped dough onto a baking sheet dusted with semolina flour. Brush some olive oil on the dough, and spread a generous amount of the prepared marinara sauce evenly. Top your pizza with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil leaves.
Carefully place the pizza inside the baking tray of the oven. Bake for 10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is all melty.
Step 4: Serve it Hot
Once ready, remove the pizza from the oven. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle oregano, chilli flakes, or any other seasoning of your choice. Slice it and serve hot!
Pro Tips for Baking the Best Margherita Pizza
To make a great pizza at home, you must preheat your oven to the highest temperature. For best results, 250-350 degrees is a must. The higher you keep the temperature, the better the pizza.
It is suggested to dust the baking tray with semolina flour, as it has a higher burning point than regular wheat and refined flour. This prevents the base from sticking to the tray.
If you are preparing the dough for your Margherita pizza in advance, place it in a zip-lock bag and let it cool in the refrigerator for storage. Remember to take it out at least 30 minutes before assembling all the ingredients to avoid stiffness.
Feel free to use a rolling pin if you have trouble stretching the dough and giving it a desired round shape. It is easier and also saves time.
Conclusion
Your search for the easiest recipe for Margherita pizza is over! It is definitely one of the best ones, and it can be made with basic everyday ingredients and a standard oven. Follow the simple steps mentioned above and be ready to be showered with all the compliments at a party or even a family dinner. Just for your information, once you make this pizza, you will want to make it again and again, given its irresistible taste.
FAQs
Should the pizza dough be warm or cold?
It is recommended to have a warm pizza dough before topping it with sauce and cheese. A cold dough is difficult to work with and won't give a perfect round shape. So, bring the dough to at least room temperature for better success rates.
Can I use some other cheese than mozzarella for my Margherita pizza?
If mozzarella isn't available in your area, you can surely choose any other variant, like processed cheese. However, mozzarella is considered to be the hero ingredient of an Italian-style Margherita pizza. It offers a perfect balance of moisture and elasticity, taking the flavour to a whole new level.
Can I make a pizza in a pan?
Yes, surely! To make margherita pizza in a pan, stretch the dough to an 8-inch round and place it over the larger skillet pan. Cover it with the lid and let it cook on a medium flame until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese melts.
