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Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza
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Margherita Pizza is a timeless Italian classic that combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a vibrant, flavorful dish. Featuring a chewy, crispy dough topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this pizza is quick to prepare and offers a healthier, lighter alternative to meat-heavy pizzas. Perfect for all ages and customizable to suit various dietary preferences, it is ideal for a wholesome, fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

Pizza Base

  • Quality pizza dough (store-bought or homemade), enough for a thin crust

Toppings

  • Fresh ripe tomatoes, crushed or thinly sliced (about 2 medium tomatoes)
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces (100-150g)
  • Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Sea salt, a pinch
  • Garlic (optional, 1-2 cloves minced or finely sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature. On a floured surface, shape the dough to your desired thickness aiming for a thin crust to keep it light and crisp.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting, typically between 475°F and 500°F (245°C and 260°C). Prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet for an evenly cooked base.
  3. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin, even layer of crushed fresh tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute torn pieces of fresh mozzarella evenly. Add fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle minced garlic for extra flavor.
  4. Bake: Place the pizza on the pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. Watch for bubbly mozzarella and golden edges on the crust to indicate it is done.
  5. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, add a final light drizzle of olive oil if desired, and serve immediately while warm and fresh. For best basil flavor, add a few fresh leaves after baking.

Notes

  • Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best melt and authentic flavor.
  • Don’t overload the toppings to avoid soggy crust and maintain flavor balance.
  • Preheat the oven thoroughly to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
  • Add fresh basil leaves after baking to preserve their bright flavor and vivid green color.
  • If available, use a pizza stone to mimic traditional oven conditions and ensure a perfectly crisp base.

Nutrition

Keywords: Margherita Pizza, Italian pizza, homemade pizza, fresh mozzarella, basil pizza, simple pizza recipe, vegetarian pizza

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/margherita-pizza/