Italian Pizza Margherita

Discover the Pizza Margherita recipe ingredients and calorie in this guide. This classic Italian pizza features key ingredients like fresh mozzarella, tomato sauce, and basil, with each component’s calorie count provided to help you understand the nutrition of this popular dish.

Ingredients and Calorie Count Italian Pizza Margherita :

1. Pizza Dough (for a 10-inch pizza)
   • Calories: ~300 calories
   • Ingredients: Flour, water, yeast, salt, olive oil
2. Tomato Sauce (4 tablespoons)
   • Calories: ~20 calories
   • Ingredients: Tomatoes, salt, olive oil, garlic, basil
3. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (4 oz or 113g)
   • Calories: ~280 calories
   • Ingredients: Mozzarella cheese (usually made from buffalo milk or cow’s milk)
4. Fresh Basil Leaves (5-6 leaves)
   • Calories: ~1 calorie
   • Ingredients: Fresh basil
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1 tablespoon)
   • Calories: ~120 calories
   • Ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil
6. Salt (pinch)
   • Calories: 0 calories

Total Approximate Calories:

721 calories for a standard 10-inch Pizza Margherita

Instructions of Italian Pizza Margherita:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). This ensures that the pizza cooks evenly and gets a crispy crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Dough
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface until it forms a 10-inch circle. You can also use store-bought dough for convenience. Once rolled out, transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Apply the Tomato Sauce
Spread 4 tablespoons of tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. You can use homemade tomato sauce or store-bought, ensuring it’s spread thinly to avoid a soggy pizza.

Step 4: Add the Fresh Mozzarella
Tear the fresh mozzarella cheese into small pieces and scatter it evenly over the sauce. The fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the pizza.

Step 5: Add Fresh Basil
Place 5-6 fresh basil leaves on top of the mozzarella. The basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that balances out the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Step 6: Drizzle with Olive Oil
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the pizza to enhance the flavor and give it a glossy finish. This step also helps to crisp up the crust.

Step 7: Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

Step 8: Season with Salt
Once out of the oven, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top of the pizza for extra flavor. This step is optional, depending on your taste.

Step 9: Serve
Let the pizza cool for a minute or two, then slice it up and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, classic Pizza Margherita!

---

Tips for the Perfect Pizza Margherita:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of the mozzarella and basil will really shine in this simple pizza. Fresh mozzarella adds creaminess and a milder flavor compared to regular shredded mozzarella.
• Thin Crust: For a crispy crust, be sure to roll the dough as thin as possible without tearing it. A thinner crust will bake faster and provide the perfect crunch.
• High Heat: A preheated oven at a high temperature is crucial for achieving a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.

---

Nutritional Breakdown of Italian Pizza Margherita (Per Slice, Assuming 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~180 calories per slice
• Protein: ~7g
• Fat: ~13g
• Carbohydrates: ~16g
• Fiber: ~1g

---

This Pizza Margherita recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy an authentic Italian pizza at home. With fresh mozzarella, vibrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a perfect balance of flavors!