Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 pizzas
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any crushed tomatoes)
- 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms (about 8-10 minutes).
- Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Blend the canned tomatoes with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Keep it simple to let the ingredients shine.
- Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two balls. Roll out each one on a floured surface into a thin circle.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Add slices of fresh mozzarella.
- Bake:
- Transfer the pizza to the oven (use parchment paper for easy transfer if not using a pizza stone). Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Finish:
- Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil before serving.
Tips:
- For a crispier crust, use a preheated pizza stone or steel.
- Avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to keep it authentic.
“Learn how to make a Classic Margherita Pizza with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Featuring a crispy homemade pizza crust, vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil, this authentic Italian recipe is perfect for dinner or a quick family meal. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple and delicious way to bring restaurant-quality pizza to your table!”
