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Imagine a Margherita that crackles with every bite, gooey mozzarella, vibrant basil.
Simple. Bold. Perfect.
“I made this Margherita for a romantic dinner with Mae. One pizza. One evening. A memory that lasts.”
— Casa Bandera, from our Famiglia to yours
Margherita pizza, a classic Italian dish to savor
Tomato, mozzarella, basil.
Three ingredients. Nothing more.
And yet… everything is there.
Because Margherita isn’t just a recipe.
It’s a moment.
You place it at the center of the table.
And the conversation begins.
In the art of Italian hosting, it’s never just about the food.
It’s an atmosphere. A warmth. A presence.
Imagine a simple table, laughter, a steaming pizza.
And everything feels right.
Where does this iconic recipe come from?
Naples.
The birthplace of pizza.
1889.
A queen. A pizzaiolo. A simple idea.
Red. White. Green.
Italy on a plate.
But the real strength isn’t the story.
It’s mastering simplicity.
If the dough is right, everything aligns.
Type 00 flour. Slow fermentation. High heat.
Nothing is left to chance.
This is a cuisine of patience.
And above all, of tradition.
But hosting doesn’t happen by accident.
If you want to go further, discover easy Italian menu for entertaining guests.
And above all, keep it simple with what to cook for guests? Easy ideas.
Because the real secret isn’t the dish.
It’s calm.
And if you want to go even further in effortless hosting, read how to host guests at home (stress-free).
Hosting the Italian way isn’t about impressing.
It’s about welcoming.
Casa Bandera is all about that: simple gestures, Nonna’s memory, a Dolce Vita to share.
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Information |
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Difficulty 2/5 Cost medium Preparation time 20 minutes Resting time 6/8 h Cooking time 15 minutes Gluten |
Portions 2 Calories 1 180 kcal Utentils oven, mixing bowl, container, baking stone, pizza peel, bowls, knife, wooden spoon, tablespoon, kitchen towel Seasons all year round |
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Ingredients |
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Dough Flour type 00 334 g Water 234 mL Fresh yeast 8 g Extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoon Salt 1 teaspoon Toppings Tomato sauce 250 g Mozzarella 250 g Fresh basil Extra virgin olive oil |
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1 Pour the flour into a large mixing bowl. Crumble the fresh yeast directly over the flour, then mix briefly to distribute it evenly.
2 Add the salt to the container holding the room-temperature water. Stir until fully dissolved, then gradually pour the salted water into the bowl while mixing with a wooden spoon.
3 Add the olive oil and mix until you get a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
4 Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Knead for about 10 minutes using the folding technique, until the dough becomes soft and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour and lightly moisten your fingers with water. Shape it into a smooth, round dough ball.
5 Wash the bowl, lightly oil the bottom, then place the dough ball inside. Cover with a slightly damp kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
6 Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape them into smooth, evenly rounded dough balls. Place them back in the bowl, cover again with the damp towel, and let rest for 6 to 8 hours at room temperature, away from drafts.
7 Place the baking stone on the rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to its maximum temperature for at least 15 minutes, using convection mode.
8 Place each dough ball on a small mound of flour. Using the tips of your knuckles, stretch the dough from the center outward to form the crust, trapping air bubbles in the edges. Shape the dough into a circle sized to fit your peel and baking stone.
9 Top each pizza with tomato sauce, pieces of mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake for about 15 minutes. Once out of the oven, add fresh basil leaves and finish with a final drizzle of olive oil.
Recommended Food and Wine Pairing
Pair this pizza with a light red wine such as Bardolino or Chianti to enhance the authentic flavors of Italy.
Discover my selection of Italian wine pairings.
Buon Appetito !
Also read: The Art of Italian Hosting: The Complete Guide to Creating Unforgettable Dinner Parties
Our 10 Golden Rules for Hosting Italian-Style with Ease
Let’s talk together!