This Homemade Margherita Pizza recipe stands out for its classic simplicity and celebration of the timeless Margherita pizza.

Ideal for various occasions, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a cozy night in. Its versatility makes it a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed in various settings.

While rooted in tradition, this recipe allows for personalization. Experiment with crust thickness, cheese quantity, or additional toppings to tailor the pizza to your unique taste preferences.

  • Preparation Time: 12-15min
  • Cooking Time: 20-30 min
  • Total Time: 2-3 hours (including dough rising time)
  • Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3/4 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pizza Toppings:

  • 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 1-2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

  1. Activate the Yeast:
    • In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough:
    • In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the Dough:
    • Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise:
    • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

Assemble and Bake the Pizza:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to the highest setting (usually around 475°F/245°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
  3. Prepare the Pizza Base:
    • Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza stone or a baking sheet. If using a stone, make sure it’s preheated.
  4. Add Toppings:
    • Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato on top. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Finish with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil:
    • Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
  7. Slice and Serve:
    • Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, you can pre-bake the rolled-out dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings.