Description
Learn how to make a classic Margherita pizza from scratch with homemade dough. This recipe uses fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes for a simple yet delicious pizza experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes
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 olive oil.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Lightly grease a clean bowl with olive oil. Place 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.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel dusted with cornmeal or parchment paper.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
- Arrange mozzarella slices over the sauce.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze before serving.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with shredded low-moisture mozzarella if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice