Pizza Express Margherita

Name: Pizza Express Margherita
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 37 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 150ml Water; 1 tsp Sugar; 15g Yeast; 225g Plain Flour; 1 1/2 tsp Salt; Drizzle Olive Oil; 80g Passata; 70g Mozzarella; Peeled and Sliced Oregano; Leaves Basil; Pinch Black Pepper

Download

Copy link

Serves 2 626 kcal per serving Prep 25 min Cook 12 min

Ingredients

150ml Water
1 tsp Sugar
15g Yeast
225g Plain Flour
1 1/2 tsp Salt
Drizzle Olive Oil
80g Passata
70g Mozzarella
Peeled and Sliced Oregano
Leaves Basil
Pinch Black Pepper

Note: This recipe is inspired by a classic Italian-style Margherita pizza and is intended for home cooking. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any trademarks or restaurant chains.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 230°C.
Combine the warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Crumble in the fresh yeast, mix gently and leave in a warm place for 10–15 minutes until frothy.
Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture along with a drizzle of olive oil. Mix with lightly floured hands until a soft dough forms.
Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth, elastic and silky.
Lightly oil a non-stick baking tray or pizza pan. Place the dough on it and stretch it out into a round, keeping the centre thinner.
Spread the passata evenly over the dough, almost to the edges. Scatter over the mozzarella, season with oregano and black pepper, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the base is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly coloured.
Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Tips

Use ‘00’ flour for the dough to achieve that characteristic thin, crispy, yet pliable crust found in the restaurant.
Keep the tomato sauce simple: just crushed San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of salt, and a dash of oregano.
Preheat your oven and a pizza stone (or baking tray) for at least 30 minutes to get the maximum heat for the base.

Variations

Buffalo Mozzarella: Swap standard mozzarella for creamy buffalo mozzarella for a more indulgent, authentic finish.
Garlic Oil Drizzle: Brush the crust with garlic-infused oil immediately after baking to mimic the Pizza Express flavor.