How do I make a classic margherita neapolitan pizza?

Celebrate tradition with our classic Margherita Neapolitan Pizza recipe. Simplicity meets elegance in this timeless Italian favorite.

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make a classic Margherita Neapolitan Pizza. Items include: all-purpose flour salt instant yeast lukewarm water tomato sauce shredded mozzarella cheese

all-purpose flour 3 ½ cups
salt 2 teaspoons
instant yeast 1 teaspoon
lukewarm water 1 ½ cups
tomato sauce as needed
shredded mozzarella cheese as needed

Take note
Please note that working with a hot oven can be dangerous, so exercise caution. Also, be prepared for the delicious aroma of fresh pizza to fill your home and make everyone around you very hungry!

1

Prepare the Pizza Dough

In a large bowl, combine 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of instant yeast. Mix well. Slowly add 1 ½ cups of lukewarm water while continually stirring. Once a shaggy dough forms, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

2

Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is the perfect time to practice your patience and resist the urge to peek!

3

Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to its highest temperature. Ideally, you want it to reach at least 500°F (260°C). Give your oven a little pep talk to get it nice and toasty!

4

Shape the Pizza

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any trapped air. Divide the dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, shape each portion into a round ball. Then, using your hands and gravity, stretch and shape the dough into two thin, 12-inch (30 cm) circles.

5

Top with Sauce and Cheese

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Feel free to add your own twist with additional toppings like fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil.

6

Bake and Enjoy

Transfer the pizzas onto a preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the hot oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Remove from the oven, take a moment to marvel at your creation, and then slice it up. Breathe in the aroma, savor each bite, and enjoy the taste of Italy!