Classic Italian pizza is the epitome of authentic Italian cuisine, featuring a perfectly crispy crust, rich tomato sauce, and creamy melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make recipe brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen, offering a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or a home cook, you’ll love the balance of flavors and the simple preparation of this classic dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Classic Italian Pizza
1. Gather Your Ingredients
For a traditional pizza, you will need a few high-quality ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 500g Italian “00” flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 300ml lukewarm water
- 10g sea salt
- 10g fresh yeast (or 5g dry yeast)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
The Toppings:
- 200g fresh mozzarella cheese (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
- 400g San Marzano tomatoes (or any good quality canned tomatoes)
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
2. Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in lukewarm water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough
- Add the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until everything is well combined and a dough begins to form.
Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water.
Let the Dough Rise
- Place the kneaded dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
3. Make the Pizza Sauce for classic Italian Pizza
Prepare the Tomatoes
- If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for a minute, peel off the skin, and crush them with your hands or a fork. If you’re using canned tomatoes, simply crush them in a bowl.
Season the Sauce
- Add a pinch of salt, a little pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to the tomatoes. You can also add a clove of minced garlic or a sprinkle of oregano for extra flavor, but classic pizza sauce is often kept simple.
4. Preheat the Oven
Prepare Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to the highest setting, usually around 250°C (480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up. A hot oven is essential for achieving the perfect pizza crust.
Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, you can use an inverted baking sheet. Just make sure to preheat it as well.
5. Shape the Pizza Dough
Divide the Dough
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to remove excess air. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two medium-sized pizzas.
Stretch the Dough
- On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one portion of the dough into a circular shape. Be careful not to make the dough too thin in the center, but you can leave a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
Transfer the Dough to a Pizza Peel or Baking Sheet
- If you have a pizza peel, lightly dust it with flour or cornmeal and transfer your dough onto it. If not, use parchment paper on an inverted baking sheet to prepare the transfer to the oven.
6. Assemble the Pizza
- Spoon a thin layer of your prepared tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges for the crust.
Spread the Sauce
Add the Mozzarella
- Tear the fresh mozzarella into chunks and evenly distribute them over the sauce. Don’t overdo it—classic Italian pizzas aren’t overloaded with cheese.
Add Fresh Basil and Olive Oil
- Place a few fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pizza to enhance the flavor and help the crust brown nicely.
7. Bake the Pizza
Transfer the Pizza to the Oven
- If you’re using a pizza peel, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone. If you’re using parchment paper on a baking sheet, place the entire sheet in the oven.
Bake
- Bake the pizza for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If using a conventional oven, you may need to rotate the pizza halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
8. Add Finishing Touches
Remove and Add More Basil
- Once the pizza is out of the oven, add a few more fresh basil leaves. The heat will release the herb’s aroma without cooking it.
Slice and Serve
- Let the pizza cool for a minute or two, then slice it with a pizza cutter and serve immediately.
9. Repeat with Remaining Dough
Repeat the Process
- Follow the same steps for the second portion of dough. Feel free to experiment with toppings if you want, but remember that the classic combination of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is hard to beat.
10. Enjoy Your Homemade Classic Italian Pizza!
Now you have a beautiful, freshly made classic Italian pizza with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. The crispy crust, the creamy melted cheese, and the fresh basil all combine to create a flavor that’s pure Italy. Enjoy with a glass of wine, or simply savor the joy of homemade pizza.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Every Time
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients make all the difference in a simple pizza. Opt for fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil.
- Don’t Overload with Toppings: Less is more when it comes to classic Italian pizza. Let each ingredient shine.
- Preheat Your Oven Well: A properly preheated oven is key to achieving that crispy crust. If possible, bake your pizza at the highest temperature your oven allows.
- Experiment with Dough Rising Time: Letting the dough rise slowly (even overnight in the fridge) can result in a better texture and flavor.
Calories Intake
The calorie intake of a classic Italian pizza can vary based on its size, ingredients, and portion size. However, a general estimate for a standard slice of a classic Italian pizza (e.g., Margherita) is around 200-300 calories per slice. This estimate assumes a pizza with a thin, crispy crust, tomato sauce, and a moderate amount of mozzarella cheese.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Thin Crust (1 slice, 1/8 of a 12-inch pizza): Approximately 200-250 calories
- Thick Crust (1 slice, 1/8 of a 12-inch pizza): Approximately 250-300 calories
For a whole 12-inch pizza, this would translate to about 1,600-2,400 calories total, depending on the thickness of the crust and amount of cheese used.
Keep in mind that additional toppings (like extra cheese, meats, or vegetables) can increase the calorie count. For a more accurate calorie count, it’s best to use specific nutritional information for the ingredients used and the exact portion size.
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