MARGHERITA PIZZA

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WHY IS IT CALLED MARGHERITA PIZZA

Is Marghertia Pizza Italian? You bet! Margherita Pizza actually has an interesting namesake, and was so named in honor of the Italian Queen consort, Margherita. Queen Margherita loved pizza (most of us can relate) and a famous pizza maker is said to have created this specific flavor in her honor. It also pays homage to the Italian flag, flaunting its colors proudly in the green basil, white mozzarella, and red tomato. Some people ask why do they call it a margarita pizza or what is margarita pizza, but it IS Margherita Pizza!
Margherita Pizza is great served on its own, but it also is wonderful when served with a side salad, anything from a Caesar salad to macaroni salad will work!
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SERVINGS: 12 SLICES
MARGHERITA PIZZA
PREP TIME:
 
25 MINS
 
COOK TIME:
 
15 MINS
TOTAL TIME:
 
40 MINS
 
AUTHOR: SAM
 
COURSE: DINNER
CUISINE: ITALIAN
KEYWORD: MARGHERITA PIZZA, PIZZA
A classic homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PIZZA DOUGH
  • 2-2 1/3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil plus additional for brushing bowl and dough
  • ¾ cup warm water
MARGHERITA PIZZA TOPPINGS
  • 1/3 cup marinara pizza sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • Fresh basil leaves washed, patted dry, and sliced into ribbons (I used about 8 basil leaves)
  • 2 plum tomatoes sliced 1/4" thick
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese you can use shredded but I recommend using a brick that's been cut into wedges or slices
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INSTRUCTIONS
PIZZA DOUGH
  1. Prepare your dough first by combining 1 cup of flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Add oil and water and use a wooden spoon to stir to combine. Add warm water and stir very well until mixture is smooth.
  3. Gradually add remaining flour until completely combined and dough is sticky and cohesive and pulling away from the sides of the bowl as you mix.
  4. Brush a large bowl with olive oil and place your dough in the bowl. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place in a warm place and allow it to rise for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
  5. Once dough is finished rising, preheat your oven to 425F and line a pizza pan with parchment paper and set aside.
  6. Gently deflate the dough with your hands and transfer to a clean, lightly floured surface. Dust dough with additional flour and use a rolling pin to roll out to 12" wide circle. Transfer to prepared pizza pan and roll over the edges to form a crust. Brush the whole surface of the crust with olive oil and then add your Margherita Pizza Toppings.
MARGHERITA PIZZA TOPPINGS
  1. Stir minced garlic into your pizza sauce and then evenly spread sauce over the center of the pizza.
  2. Top with about half of your basil leaves and then evenly distribute plum tomato slices over the top. Scatter mozzarella cheese evenly over the tomatoes (see second picture in post) and then top with remaining basil ribbons.
  3. Transfer to 425F oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and just beginning to turn golden brown.
  4. Slice, and serve!