Classic Pizza Margherita Recipe – A Perfect Italian Pizza with Tomato Sauce and Cheese
Pizza Margherita, a beloved classic from Italy, is a delightful flatbread topped with tangy tomato sauce, rich mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves. The dough for this pizza is made using a simple yet delicious recipe similar to the one used by Domino’s for their pizza base. This homemade version promises to be just as flavorful, with the perfect balance of crispy crust, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Once you try it, we’re sure you’ll want to make it time and time again.
Cuisine: Italian Recipes
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for the Pizza Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 4 cups |
| Sooji (Semolina / Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2-1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | As required |
| Honey (or sugar) | 2 teaspoons |
| Lukewarm Water | As required |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Sooji (Semolina / Rava) | 3 tablespoons (for dusting and rolling) |
Other Ingredients for Assembling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce | As required |
| Mozzarella Cheese | As required |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | For garnishing |
| Dried Oregano | As required |
| Red Chili Flakes | As required |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (maida), semolina (sooji), salt, sugar, and active dry yeast. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the well. Stir everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Once the dough comes together, grease your hands with a little olive oil and knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
- Once kneaded, cover the dough with oiled cling film or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rest in a warm place for about 2 hours, allowing the dough to rise and double in size.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone in the cold oven as it heats up. This ensures the pizza will bake evenly and have a nice crisp crust. Let the pizza stone heat for approximately 10 minutes.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza Base
- Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions for individual pizzas.
- On a semolina-dusted surface, roll out each portion into a thin round, approximately 8 inches in diameter. The dough will rise in the oven, so roll it out as thin as possible to achieve a crispy crust.
- Using a fork, prick the center of the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges. This will help avoid air bubbles from forming during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Carefully remove the hot pizza stone from the oven. Sprinkle it with a little semolina to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Transfer the rolled-out pizza dough onto the stone.
- Brush a thin layer of olive oil onto the base of the pizza dough.
- Spread a generous amount of homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza stone back into the oven and bake the pizza for 10 to 15 minutes. The pizza is done when the crust turns golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled up.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Just before serving, garnish your pizza with fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of dried oregano, and a dash of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Serve your delicious homemade Pizza Margherita immediately while it’s still warm.
Serving Suggestion:
For a complete and satisfying meal, pair your pizza with a side of Broccoli Pesto Pasta and Cheese Garlic Bread. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a weekend dinner with friends and family, combining the flavors of Italy in every bite.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
This Classic Pizza Margherita recipe is an easy, homemade version of the iconic Italian dish. With a soft, crispy dough and the combination of mozzarella, tomato sauce, and fresh basil, it’s the perfect pizza for any night of the week. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, this recipe will help you create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizza chain. Enjoy the simple flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen!
