Pizza Express Margherita
Authentic Italian Pizza Express Margherita — a delicious miscellaneous dish with 11 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.
20
Prep Time (min)
30
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
350
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 150 ml Water
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 15 g Yeast
- 225 g Plain Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- Drizzle Olive Oil
- 80 g Passata
- 70 g Mozzarella
- Peeled and Sliced Oregano
- Leaves Basil
- Pinch Black Pepper
Instructions
12 steps · ~82 minutes total
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 230°C.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 2
Add the sugar and crumble the fresh yeast into warm water.
3 minutesStep 3
Allow the mixture to stand for 10 – 15 minutes in a warm place (we find a windowsill on a sunny day works best) until froth develops on the surface.
3 minutesStep 4
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 5
Lightly flour your hands, and slowly mix the ingredients together until they bind.
3 minutesStep 6
Generously dust your surface with flour.
3 minutesStep 7
Throw down the dough and begin kneading for 10 minutes until smooth, silky and soft.
3 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Step 8
Place in a lightly oiled, non-stick baking tray (we use a round one, but any shape will do!)
3 minutesStep 9
Spread the passata on top making sure you go to the edge.
3 minutesStep 10
Evenly place the mozzarella (or other cheese) on top, season with the oregano and black pepper, then drizzle with a little olive oil.
5 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Step 11
Cook in the oven for 10 – 12 minutes until the cheese slightly colours.
25 minutesAlways preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.Step 12
When ready, place the basil leaf on top and tuck in!
3 minutes
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your italian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Pizza Express Margherita is a beloved dish from Italian cuisine, originating in Italy. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Italian cuisine is renowned worldwide for its emphasis on simple, quality ingredients and time-honored techniques. Each region of Italy has its own distinct culinary traditions, passed down through generations.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
A traditional Margherita pizza uses fresh mozzarella cheese, which melts beautifully and complements the tomato sauce.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
