Classic Margherita Pizza
Experience the simple perfection of a classic Margherita pizza. A light, airy crust is topped with vibrant tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
The Margherita pizza is a timeless Italian masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. With its perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, rich cheese, and fragrant basil, it represents the colors of the Italian flag and remains the benchmark of true pizza craftsmanship.
Ingredients
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 2 tbsp yellow cornmeal
- to taste all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup buffalo mozzarella
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- 1Prepare the dough
Take a ball of fresh pizza dough and coat it thoroughly in yellow cornmeal. This helps prevent sticking and adds a nice texture to the bottom of the crust.
Tip: Ensure the dough is fully covered in cornmeal for an even, crispy crust. - 2Shape the dough
Place the dough on a floured work surface. Using your fingers, gently press from the center of the dough outwards to create a round, flat shape, then carefully stretch it to your desired pizza size.
Tip: Handle the dough gently to keep the air inside the crust for a light, airy result. - 3Apply the sauce
Once the dough is stretched to size, spoon an even layer of red pizza sauce onto the center. Use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce outward in a circular motion, leaving a clean border for the crust.
Tip: Use a light hand when spreading the sauce to ensure the dough remains thin and doesnt tear. - 4Add mozzarella
Evenly distribute small cubes of mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce layer. This provides the classic, melty base for your Margherita pizza.
Tip: Spread the cheese evenly so every slice gets a good amount of topping. - 5Add final toppings
Place additional pieces of buffalo mozzarella on top of the pizza and garnish with fresh basil leaves for authentic flavor and aroma.
Tip: Fresh basil adds the signature flavor of a Margherita; add it just before baking to preserve its brightness. - 6Bake the pizza
Carefully slide a metal peel under the assembled pizza and transfer it into a hot wood-fired oven. Bake until the crust is charred and the cheese is bubbling, which usually takes just a couple of minutes at high heat.
Tip: Keep a close watch, as pizza bakes very quickly in a hot oven, usually in about two minutes.
