There’s something truly magical about crafting a Margherita pizza from scratch. With just a few simple ingredients, you create a symphony of flavors that transport you to a cozy pizzeria in Naples. The combination of fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and tangy tomatoes on a perfectly crisp crust is pure bliss. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure and bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F with a pizza stone inside to heat up.
- On a floured surface, shape your pizza dough into an 8-inch round, approximately 1/4-inch thick, and place it on a parchment-lined pizza peel.
- Lightly brush the dough with extra-virgin olive oil, then spread marinara sauce evenly, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle minced garlic over the sauce.
- Arrange fresh mozzarella slices and tomato slices on the dough, ensuring there is space between them.
- Transfer the parchment with the dough onto the hot pizza stone in the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles.
- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1/4 portion of homemade pizza dough
- 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce
- 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
- 3 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 Roma tomato, sliced
- 2 large basil leaves, cut into thin strips
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 589kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 1401mg | Potassium: 311mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1221IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 430mg | Iron: 3mg
FAQ
- What ingredients are essential for a Margherita Pizza?
- A Margherita Pizza traditionally includes fresh pizza dough, marinara sauce, Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, garlic, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil. Each ingredient should be of high quality to enhance the flavor of the pizza.
- How do you prepare the pizza dough for a Margherita Pizza?
- Start by shaping the pizza dough on a floured surface into an 8-inch round, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Transfer this to a pizza peel lined with parchment paper, reshaping if necessary before adding the toppings.
- At what temperature should Margherita Pizza be baked?
- Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F and use a baking stone to achieve a crispy crust. Bake the pizza for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- When should basil be added to the pizza?
- Fresh basil should be sprinkled over the pizza after it has been baked. This preserves the basil’s flavor and prevents it from wilting too much.
- Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of fresh mozzarella?
- It is recommended to use fresh balled mozzarella that you slice, as it provides a better texture and taste compared to the packaged shredded kind.
Tips
- Preheat your oven with a pizza stone inside to achieve a crispier crust, as the stone retains and evenly distributes heat.
- Opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as fresh mozzarella and basil, to enhance the overall flavor of your pizza.
- Slice your tomatoes thinly and use smaller varieties to prevent excess moisture from making the pizza soggy.
- Add fresh basil after baking to maintain its vibrant flavor and prevent wilting.
Equipment
- Pizza Stone
- Pizza Peel
- Parchment Paper