19 Recipe For Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza You Must Try Them!

The Perfect Dough

The first step to creating an authentic Italian margherita pizza is to make the perfect dough. This is the foundation of any good pizza and cannot be overlooked. The dough should be soft and elastic, with a slightly crispy crust. To achieve this, you will need 00 flour, water, yeast, olive oil, and salt. Mix all the ingredients together and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Let it rise for at least an hour before rolling it out into a thin crust.

Tip: Use 00 Flour

When it comes to making pizza dough, using the right kind of flour is crucial. 00 flour is the most commonly used flour for making pizza in Italy. It is finely ground and has a lower protein content compared to other types of flour, resulting in a softer and more pliable dough.

The Sauce

In an authentic Italian margherita pizza, the sauce is just as important as the dough. The sauce should be simple yet flavorful, made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet and rich flavor, are grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius and are a staple in Neapolitan cuisine.

Tip: Crush the Tomatoes by Hand

To achieve the perfect consistency for the sauce, use San Marzano tomatoes that have been crushed by hand. This will give the sauce a rustic texture and enhance the flavor of the tomatoes.

The Toppings

The toppings for a margherita pizza are simple and classic – fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil. The key is to use the freshest ingredients possible, as this will elevate the flavors of the pizza. Tear the mozzarella into small pieces and scatter them over the sauce. Add a few leaves of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

Tip: Use Fresh Mozzarella

When it comes to cheese for a margherita pizza, fresh mozzarella is a must. It has a creamy texture and mild flavor, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Avoid using pre-shredded mozzarella, as it tends to be drier and has less flavor.

Baking the Pizza

The final step in creating an authentic Italian margherita pizza is baking it in a wood-fired oven. The intense heat of the oven is what gives the pizza its crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese. If you do not have access to a wood-fired oven, you can use a conventional oven set to the highest temperature possible.

Tip: Use a Pizza Stone

To achieve a crispy crust, it is essential to use a pizza stone when baking your pizza. This will help distribute the heat evenly and give the crust that signature crunch. In conclusion, following these tips and using quality ingredients will result in an authentic Italian margherita pizza that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Naples. So, next time you are craving pizza, skip the takeout and try making your own delicious margherita pizza at home. Your family and friends will thank you. Now, buon appetito!