Discover the timeless charm of Pizza Margherita with our classic recipe. This authentic Italian pizza features a simple yet delicious combination of fresh tomato, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Named in honor of Queen Margherita, it’s a beloved staple in Italian cuisine that’s easy to make at home. Perfect for pizza lovers and those seeking a taste of Italy!

Ingredients:

- Pizza Dough:

 - 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

 - 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)

 - 3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1 teaspoon sugar

- Pizza Sauce:

 - 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano

 - 1 teaspoon dried basil

 - Salt and pepper to taste

- Toppings:

 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

 - Fresh basil leaves

 - Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

  - In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  - In a large bowl, mix 3 ½ cups of flour with salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.

  - Stir until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add more flour until the dough is slightly sticky but manageable.

  - Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.

  - Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Sauce:

  - In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  - Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

  - Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assemble the Pizza:

  - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

  - Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch round on a floured surface.

  - Transfer the rolled dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  - Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each crust, leaving a small border around the edges.

  - Arrange the sliced mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce.

Bake the Pizza:

  - Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

  - Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil.

Serve:

  - Slice the pizza and enjoy it hot!

This classic Pizza Margherita is sure to delight with its simple yet delectable flavors, bringing a taste of Italy to your home kitchen.

Nutritional values

Pizza Dough:

2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast

 - Calories: About 10 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits:

 - Helps the dough rise and develop texture.

 - Provides a small amount of B vitamins.

1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Activates the yeast and helps in forming the dough.

3 ½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: About 455 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 95g

 - Protein: 13g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Provides the main structure and texture of the dough.

 - Rich in carbohydrates for energy.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and richness to the dough.

 - Provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

1 teaspoon salt

 - Sodium: About 2300mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and helps with dough texture.

1 teaspoon sugar

 - Calories: About 16 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

Benefits:

 - Feeds the yeast to help it activate and rise the dough.

Pizza Sauce:

1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes

 - Calories: About 90 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 4g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides the base of the sauce, rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lycopene.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: About 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains healthy fats.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

 - Calories: About 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon dried basil

 - Calories: About 1 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains antioxidants.

Salt and pepper to taste

 - Sodium: About 2300mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor of the sauce.

Toppings:

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

 - Calories: About 80 kcal

 - Fat: 6g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds creaminess and flavor.

 - Provides calcium and protein.

Fresh basil leaves

 - Calories: About 1 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds a fresh flavor and contains vitamins A and C.

Olive oil, for drizzling

 - Calories: About 120 kcal

 - Fat: 14g

 - Saturated Fat: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains healthy fats.

The pizza dough is rich in carbohydrates and fats, providing energy and a tender texture. The sauce combines the rich, antioxidant-rich benefits of tomatoes with the flavor-enhancing properties of garlic and herbs. The fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and protein, while the olive oil drizzled on top provides a flavorful finishing touch.