Italy – Classic Margherita Pizza
Why You’ll Love It: Simple, fresh, and loaded with authentic Italian flavors, this pizza is a timeless favorite. The combination of a crispy, yet chewy crust with a rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil makes this dish a crowd-pleaser Classic Margherita pizza.
Origin & Fun Fact: The Margherita pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889 by a Neapolitan pizzaiolo, Raffaele Esposito. The ingredients were chosen to reflect the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Today, it’s a staple in pizzerias worldwide.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm water
1 packet active dry yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for a crispier crust.
yeast Dissolve in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
Mix well flour, salt, olive oil, and yeast to form a dough mixture. Knead for 10 minutes, then let it rest for at least 30 minutes until it doubles in size.
Roll out the dough into a thin circle on a floured surface.
Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch at the edges for the crust.
Top with mozzarella slices and sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bake 10-12 minutes, at 180-200 degree celsius until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly
Ready to be out from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.
Slice and enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece!