Margherita Pizza
User Reviews
5
Margherita Pizza
Description
Margherita Pizza combines a homemade dough made from all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, salt, olive oil, and warm water with classic toppings of pizza sauce, minced garlic, fresh basil, sliced Roma tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. The dough is kneaded until cohesive and sticks lightly to the bowl, then left to rise until doubled in size, which yields a tender yet sturdy crust. After rolling the dough to a 12-inch circle and forming a crust edge, the pizza is topped with sauce, garlic, basil, tomato slices, and cheese before baking in a preheated 425°F oven. The result is a balanced, flavorful pizza that highlights fresh ingredients and a well-developed dough.
The pizza offers a combination of textures: a crisp crust edge, a slightly chewy base, and a melting cheese topping balanced by fresh tomato slices and fragrant basil. The garlic adds a mild pungency dispersed through the sauce, enhancing the overall taste. This preparation method allows home cooks to control dough thickness and topping quantity, catering to varied preferences.
This pizza works well as a main dish for lunch or dinner and pairs nicely with a simple green salad or light side dish. The fresh basil and garlic contribute aromatic highlights that complement a wide range of beverage choices, from water to lighter wines.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 2 to 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour or bread flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast 1 packet
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus additional for brushing bowl and dough
- ¾ cup water warm
Margherita Pizza Toppings
- ⅓ cup pizza sauce
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 8 basil leaves fresh, thinly sliced
- 2 Roma tomato sliced ¼-inch thick
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into slices
Instructions
Pizza Dough
- Prepare your dough first by combining 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine oil and warm water and use a wooden spoon to stir. Add the water mixture to the flour mixture and stir very well until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour until completely combined and dough is sticky and cohesive and pulling away from the sides of the bowl as you mix.
- Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place your dough in the bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm place and allow it to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Once dough is finished rising, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a pizza pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Gently deflate the dough with your hands and transfer to a clean, lightly floured surface. Dust dough with additional flour and use a rolling pin to roll out to 12" wide circle. Transfer to prepared pizza pan and roll over the edges to form a crust. Brush the whole surface of the crust with olive oil and then add your Margherita Pizza Toppings.
Margherita Pizza Toppings
- Stir minced garlic into your pizza sauce and then evenly spread sauce over the center of the pizza.
- Top with about half of your basil leaves and then evenly distribute plum tomato slices over the top. Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes (see second picture in post) and then top with remaining basil ribbons.
- Transfer to 425°F oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Slice, and serve!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12slices
Amount Per Serving
Calories 173 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 173 | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 20g | 7% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 14mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 300mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 93mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 245IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 102mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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