Authentic Margherita Pizza
Experience the essence of Italy with this Authentic Margherita Pizza, a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. This classic recipe showcases creamy, fresh mozzarella paired with ripe, sweet tomatoes and fragrant basil, all atop a perfectly baked thin crust. The key to this pizza is its minimalistic approach, emphasizing the fresh flavors without overwhelming the palate. Created for those who appreciate culinary simplicity, this dish is not just food, but a taste of Italian culture. Each bite transports you to a sunny Mediterranean piazza, making it a perfect lunch or snack option for pizza lovers.
N/A
Servings
850
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
1 (Prepared but not baked; a suggestion is Easy Peezy Pizza Dough (Bread Machine Pizza Dough))
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
11 ounces (Sliced and set on paper towels to absorb excess whey)
Firm Ripe Tomatoes
1 pound (Peeled, seeded, and sliced)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (For brushing and drizzling)
Fresh Basil Leaves
8-10 leaves (Cut into thin ribbons (Not dried))
Grated Imported Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Prepare the pizza dough according to the specific recipe instructions until it is proofed and ready for baking.
2
If using very fresh mozzarella cheese, slice it and place it on paper towels to absorb excess whey, ensuring a less soggy pizza.
3
To peel the tomatoes, plunge them into boiling water for about 15 seconds, then remove the peel, cut into thin slices, and carefully remove the seeds. Drain the slices in a colander to eliminate excess moisture.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly oil a round pizza tray (preferably a heavier one for even baking) with extra virgin olive oil.
5
Roll out your proofed pizza dough into a thin, supple sheet. Place it in the prepared pizza tray, ensuring it fits well. Brush the dough's surface with a generous layer of olive oil.
6
Begin layering your pizza by placing the mozzarella slices evenly across the dough. Top with half of the sliced tomatoes, distributing them evenly, followed by a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Finish by arranging the remaining tomato slices on top.
7
Gently sprinkle salt over the tomatoes and drizzle a little more olive oil over the entire pizza for added flavor.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it and rotating the pizza halfway through to ensure even browning.
9
Once done, remove the pizza from the oven and generously garnish with fresh basil ribbons just before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and flavor.
Nutrition Information
49g
Fat
85g
Carbs
29g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Authentic Margherita Pizza?
It is a classic Italian pizza celebrating simple, high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil on a thin crust.
How many calories are in this pizza?
The recipe contains 850 calories.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
The pizza has 49g of fat and 29g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates does it contain?
It contains 85g of carbohydrates.
What type of mozzarella should be used?
The recipe calls for 11 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese.
How do I prevent the mozzarella from making the pizza soggy?
Slice the fresh mozzarella and place it on paper towels to absorb excess whey before adding it to the pizza.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Firm ripe tomatoes are recommended, specifically one pound.
How do I peel the tomatoes?
Plunge the tomatoes into boiling water for about 15 seconds, then remove the peel.
Should I remove the seeds from the tomatoes?
Yes, you should cut the tomatoes into thin slices and carefully remove the seeds.
Why should I drain the tomato slices?
Draining them in a colander helps eliminate excess moisture, which prevents a soggy crust.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How long should the pizza bake?
Bake the pizza for 15-20 minutes.
Should I rotate the pizza during baking?
Yes, rotate the pizza halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
What kind of oil is used in the recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for brushing the dough and drizzling over the top.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I use dried basil?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 8-10 fresh basil leaves and states not to use dried.
When should I add the fresh basil?
Garnish the pizza with fresh basil ribbons generously just before serving after it has been removed from the oven.
How should the basil be prepared?
The fresh basil leaves should be cut into thin ribbons.
Does this recipe include Parmesan cheese?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of freshly grated imported Parmesan cheese.
How should the pizza tray be prepared?
Lightly oil a round pizza tray, preferably a heavier one, with extra virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the dough for the tray?
Roll the proofed pizza dough into a thin, supple sheet and brush the surface with a generous layer of olive oil once placed in the tray.
What is the specific order of layering the toppings?
Layer mozzarella slices first, then half the sliced tomatoes, then Parmesan cheese, and finally the remaining tomato slices.
Is salt added to the pizza?
Yes, salt is sprinkled over the tomatoes to taste before baking.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect lunch or snack option.
What makes the crust special?
The recipe focuses on a perfectly baked thin crust that is supple and brushed with olive oil.
Can I use a bread machine for the dough?
Yes, the recipe suggests Easy Peezy Pizza Dough (Bread Machine Pizza Dough) as an option.
What culture does this dish represent?
This dish represents Italian culture and Mediterranean flavors.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe focusing on culinary simplicity.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The serving count is not specified, but it uses 1 portion of pizza dough and 11 ounces of cheese.