Classic Margherita Pizza
75% Hydration Dough
Master the art of the perfect pizza with this 75% hydration dough recipe, featuring a blistered, airy crust, vibrant tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella.
The Margherita pizza is the gold standard of Italian simplicity, relying on the perfect balance of just a few high-quality ingredients. Using a 75% hydration dough allows for a remarkably light, airy crust with a signature chew that is simply unmatched. This approach honors traditional Neapolitan techniques, focusing on building dough structure and texture for a professional-grade result at home.
Ingredients
- 500 g high-protein bread flour
- 375 ml lukewarm water
- 10 g sea salt
- 2 g instant yeast
- 150 g fresh mozzarella cheese
- 100 ml san marzano tomato sauce
- 5 g fresh basil leaves
- 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1Stretch and fold the dough
Place the 75% hydration dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch the edges and fold them toward the center to build structure and strength. Repeat this process to ensure a smooth, cohesive dough mass.
Tip: Keep your hands lightly floured to prevent the sticky, high-hydration dough from clinging to your fingers. - 2Shape the dough ball
Gather the dough and tuck the edges underneath to create tension on the top surface. Rotate the dough against the work surface to form a tight, smooth, round ball. This helps the dough maintain its shape during proofing.
Tip: Creating good surface tension is key to a nicely rounded, even pizza crust. - 3Stretch the pizza base
Gently press the center of the proofed dough ball and work outwards, carefully pushing the air pockets toward the edges to form the crust. Stretch the dough into a flat, circular base, ensuring an even thickness while keeping the outer rim airy.
Tip: Work gently to avoid popping the air bubbles in the crust, which provides the signature light, airy texture. - 4Apply tomato sauce
Using the back of a spoon, spread a thin, even layer of tomato sauce onto the pizza base. Work in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward, leaving the outer crust rim clear.
Tip: Do not overload the sauce; a thin layer keeps the crust crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy. - 5Add toppings
Distribute pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly across the tomato sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top to infuse the pizza with aroma during the baking process.
Tip: Tearing the basil leaves slightly before placing them can help release more fragrance.
