Margherita pizza has the perfect blend of tangy tomatoes, rich mozzarella, and fresh basil atop a homemade, chewy crust. Bring the delight of Italian cooking into your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
The Margherita pizza, with its origins steeped in the rich history of Naples, Italy, embodies simplicity and flavor in every bite. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of this classic Italian masterpiece: the thin, chewy crust crisped to perfection, the sweet-tangy punch of crushed tomatoes playing off the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth richness of mozzarella pearls. With each bite, the fragrance of fresh basil leaves heightens your senses, making the experience even more memorable. Now, picture recreating this culinary delight in the comfort of your own kitchen, ready to be shared and savored with your loved ones. Intrigued? Then let’s embark on this exciting journey of homemade Margherita pizza making, combining simple ingredients with easy steps to create a truly authentic Italian dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Note on Dietary Needs
When it comes to dietary needs and restrictions, Margherita pizza can be customized to a certain extent, but it’s essential to understand how these modifications might affect the final product.
For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour might seem like the simplest solution. However, gluten-free baking involves more than just a straight swap of flours. Gluten gives pizza dough its elasticity and chewiness, and replicating these characteristics without it requires a unique combination of gluten-free flours and binders. As such, for the best results, we recommend finding a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free pizza dough.
Dairy substitutions, on the other hand, are more straightforward but can also affect the final taste and texture of the pizza. Plant-based mozzarella is a viable option for those on a dairy-free or vegan diet, but keep in mind that this substitution may not result in the same creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that dairy-based mozzarella offers.
The flavor and texture of Margherita pizza heavily rely on the quality of its few ingredients, so when substituting, ensure you’re using the best alternative possible. Remember, the goal is to create a pizza that is not only compatible with your dietary needs but also one that delivers a delightful eating experience.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
While Margherita pizza is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pizza in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the crust soggy.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1/2 teaspoon instant dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups all-purpose or 00 flour
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup crushed canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 4 ounces drained mozzarella pearls cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 to 10 basil leaves
Instructions
For the Pizza:
- Combine yeast, sugar, salt, water, olive oil, and 1 1/2 cups flour in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Knead on low until dough starts to form. Continue kneading until dough forms a soft ball and the sides of the bowl are clean. Add additional flour as necessary to achieve this texture.
- Dust dough with flour and place on a baking sheet or large tray. Cover and let rest for 4 to 5 hours.
To Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 550 degrees Fahrenheit.
- When ready to bake, roll the dough into a large circle and place on a pizza pan or a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal.
- Drizzle about 1 teaspoon olive oil over the dough. Spread the sauce across the top, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge. Evenly distribute the mozzarella pieces.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven on the pizza pan, or transfer it from the pizza peel to a pizza stone. Bake until toppings are warm, bubbly, and starting to brown, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Remove the pizza from the oven. Tear the basil leaves and scatter them across the pizza.
Notes
Create your own pizza oven:
Place a pizza stone in the center rack of your oven and preheat to 550 degrees Fahrenheit (or as high as your oven will go). When ready to bake, slide the pizza onto the stone and close the oven. Change the oven setting to broil to create a top heat. Keep a close eye on your pizza and let bake until toppings begin to brown.
