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Homemade Margherita Pizza

Homemade Margherita Pizza

Homemade Margherita Pizza features a crispy golden crust, tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil. It's a simple, delicious choice for date nights, family dinners, or an evening at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ cups 280 g all-purpose flour or bread flour
  • ¾ cup 180 ml warm water
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup 180 g crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 oz 225 g fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced
  • 10 –12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale
  • Wooden spoon or dough scraper
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Pizza stone or large baking sheet
  • Pizza peel or flat baking tray
  • Sharp knife
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a rough dough forms.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  2. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 60–90 minutes until doubled in size.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  3. Combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed, keeping the sauce uncooked for a fresh tomato flavor.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  4. Place a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet on the middle or upper-middle oven rack. Preheat the oven to 475–500°F (245–260°C) for at least 30 minutes to help create a crisp pizza crust.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  5. Transfer the risen dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then gently stretch into a 10–12-inch circle, leaving a slightly thicker edge around the crust.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  6. Place each pizza base on a lightly floured pizza peel or suitable baking parchment. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly, and drizzle with olive oil.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  7. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 8–12 minutes, until the crust turns golden, the mozzarella melts, and a few lightly browned spots appear around the edges.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza
  8. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 1–2 minutes. Scatter fresh basil over the melted cheese, add optional Parmesan or red pepper flakes, then slice and serve while warm.
    Homemade Margherita Pizza