Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill features a thin, crispy crust topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, delivering a vibrant and authentic Italian flavor with a colorful, appetizing appearance.
Equipments
- Pizza stone or baking steel
- Pizza peel
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Pastry brush
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Flour, for dusting
Using fresh mozzarella cheese is essential for achieving the authentic texture and taste characteristic of a Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza. Ensure your tomatoes are ripe to maximize natural sweetness and juiciness, which balances the creamy cheese and fragrant basil. Extra virgin olive oil should be of high quality to enhance the overall flavor profile with its rich, fruity notes. Active dry yeast must be properly activated in warm water to guarantee a light, crispy crust. You can recreate the vibrant and authentic Italian flavor of the Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to its highest setting (475–500°F/245–260°C) with pizza stone or baking steel inside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead dough on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Slice mozzarella and tomatoes; pat mozzarella dry.
- Punch down dough and divide as needed. Shape into a ball.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to desired thinness.
- Transfer dough to a floured pizza peel.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes and mozzarella evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle with salt as desired.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil using pastry brush.
- Slide pizza onto hot pizza stone or steel in oven.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
- Remove pizza and cool briefly on cooling rack.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves over hot pizza.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Substitution
Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill copycat menu uses fresh mozzarella for its creamy texture, but you can substitute with low-moisture mozzarella if fresh isn't available, though the flavor may be less authentic. If you don't have a pizza stone or baking steel, use an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven to achieve a crispy crust. Ripe tomatoes add sweetness and freshness, but canned San Marzano tomatoes can work in a pinch when fresh ones are out of season. When rolling out dough, lightly dust your surface with flour to prevent sticking, avoiding excess flour which can dry out the crust. You can replace fresh basil leaves with dried basil, though fresh aromatic flavor will be diminished in your pizza.
Tips
Make sure your warm water is between 100-110degF (37-43degC) to properly activate the yeast without killing it, ensuring a good rise for the dough. Use plenty of flour when rolling out your dough to prevent sticking, but avoid over-flouring as it can make the crust tough. Patting the mozzarella dry before placing it on the pizza helps avoid excess moisture, which can lead to a soggy crust. When baking, your pizza stone or baking steel must be preheated in a fully hot oven for at least 30 minutes to achieve that classic, crispy thin crust.
Nutritions
Your Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza provides a balanced source of carbohydrates from the all-purpose flour crust, essential fats from extra virgin olive oil, and high-quality protein along with calcium from fresh mozzarella cheese. The ripe tomatoes add valuable vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which support immune health. Fresh basil leaves contribute vitamin K and additional antioxidants, enhancing the nutrient density of the pizza. This combination makes for a flavorful meal that also supports nutritional well-being.
Storage
Store any leftover Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to preserve freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of baking to prevent bacterial growth, and consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and safety. When reheating, use an oven or pizza stone to maintain the crust's crispiness, avoiding microwaves which can make the dough soggy.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace fresh mozzarella with burrata for a creamier texture and richer taste. Consider using San Marzano tomatoes or canned whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand for a more intense tomato flavor. To enhance the crust's flavor, allow the dough to ferment slowly overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Try brushing the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for an extra savory note before adding toppings.
Allergies
Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza contains gluten from all-purpose flour, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Fresh mozzarella cheese is a dairy product that could cause issues for those with lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. You should carefully review these ingredients if you have food allergies related to wheat, yeast, or dairy before enjoying this pizza.
Why this recipe?
The Classic Margherita Thin Crust Pizza from Uno Pizzeria & Grill delights with its harmonious blend of fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and vibrant basil atop a perfectly crisp thin crust. This pizza offers a balanced flavor profile that satisfies both traditionalists and casual diners seeking an authentic Italian taste. Your palate will appreciate its simplicity and quality ingredients, which are easy to replicate for an impressive homemade meal. Attempting the copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this classic favorite fresh from your own oven, maintaining taste authenticity while customizing toppings to your preference.