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Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza

Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza
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Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza is a classic and simple dish that highlights fresh, high-quality ingredients including chewy pizza dough, sweet San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Baked at a high temperature for a perfect crispy yet tender crust, this pizza embodies the true flavors of Italy and is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pizza Dough

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 7 oz (¾ cup) warm water
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Tomato Sauce

  • 1 cup San Marzano tomatoes, pureed
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Toppings

  • 7 oz fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte, torn into chunks
  • Fresh basil leaves (about a handful)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, yeast, sea salt, warm water, and olive oil until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then place it in a warm spot to rise for 1 to 2 hours until it doubles in size, creating an airy, chewy base.
  2. Make the Tomato Sauce: Puree San Marzano tomatoes with a pinch of sea salt. Simmer the puree briefly to concentrate flavors without overcooking, keeping the sauce bright and simple.
  3. Shape the Dough: Once risen, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently stretch it into a 10 to 12-inch circle, making sure the edges are slightly thicker to form a soft crust.
  4. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear fresh mozzarella into chunks and scatter them on top. Add a few fresh basil leaves.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place the pizza on a pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling beautifully.
  6. Finish with Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for aroma and presentation.

Notes

  • Use a hot oven for a perfectly crispy crust and tender dough.
  • Less is more — avoid overloading toppings to keep fresh flavors balanced.
  • Choose the freshest and highest quality tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for authentic taste.
  • Allow the dough to rest and rise properly for the best texture.
  • Using a pizza stone helps achieve even heat distribution and crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza, Classic Pizza, Homemade Pizza, Italian Cuisine, Margherita, Pizza Recipe, Gluten-Free Pizza Option, Fresh Ingredients Pizza

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/authentic-italian-margherita-pizza/