Description
Learn to make a classic Margherita pizza at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. You’ll create a delicious pizza with a simple homemade dough, fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes that tastes like pure bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
- While the dough rises, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently stretch or roll the dough into your desired pizza shape (about 12-14 inches in diameter).
- Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or flour, or directly onto parchment paper.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce.
- Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, preheat your oven with a pizza stone or baking steel inside.
- You can add a drizzle of olive oil over the pizza before baking for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add other toppings like sliced mushrooms or onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1-1.5 hours rising time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 250-300
- Sugar: Approx. 5g
- Sodium: Approx. 500mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 10g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 20mg