Description
This easy and homemade Margherita Pizza recipe features a crisp whole wheat crust topped with fresh mozzarella, vibrant tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this classic Italian favorite is simple to prepare and enjoyed by all ages.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups (360 grams) whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour or bread flour)
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) instant yeast (or rapid rise yeast)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water (add up to 1.25 cups as needed)
Pizza Assembly
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella, as required)
- Vegetarian parmesan cheese (optional, as required)
- 20 to 25 fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Dried oregano (optional, as required)
- Red chili flakes (optional, as required)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine instant yeast, sugar, and water in a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Stir thoroughly to activate the yeast.
- Mix Dough Ingredients: Add whole wheat flour, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice to the yeast mixture.
- Knead Dough: Using a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, knead on medium-high speed until the dough is smooth and pliable. If kneading by hand, mix well then knead for 8 to 10 minutes. Adjust water or flour as needed to achieve soft dough texture.
- First Proof: Spread some water on the dough surface. Cover with a lid or kitchen towel and allow to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the dough doubles in volume.
- Prepare Dough Balls: Lightly knead the risen dough again. Form into balls for pizza bases. Optionally, coat dough lightly with olive oil and store covered until ready to use.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (around 250°C or 475°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, focusing on using only the bottom heating element for a crispy base.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Grease a 9-inch pan or tray with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle flour, cornmeal, or semolina to prevent sticking.
- Roll Dough: Take one dough ball, sprinkle with flour, and roll out to thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 cm forming a thin pizza base.
- Assemble Pizza: Place rolled dough onto the prepared pan. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over the base. Optionally sprinkle vegetarian parmesan cheese. Top generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake Pizza: Position the pan on the lower rack near the bottom heating element. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese melted.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with torn fresh basil leaves. Optionally sprinkle dried oregano and red chili flakes, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Cut into slices and serve warm.
- Repeat: Assemble and bake remaining pizzas following the same steps.
Notes
- You can substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose or bread flour as desired.
- If using dry active yeast or fresh yeast, adjust proofing time accordingly.
- Adding lemon juice to dough enhances flavor and improves yeast activity.
- Ensure oven is fully preheated to highest temperature for best crispy crust results.
- Using only the bottom heating element helps in achieving a crusty base.
- Fresh basil is best added after baking to preserve its aroma and flavor.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Adjust water quantity depending on the flour type and humidity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
