Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe: Classic Italian Flavor
Ingredients (for one 12-inch pizza):
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups **all-purpose flour**- 1 teaspoon **instant yeast**
- 1 teaspoon **granulated sugar**
- 1 teaspoon **salt**
- 3/4 cup **warm water**
- 2 tablespoons **olive oil**
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup **pizza sauce** (homemade or store-bought)- 8 ounces **fresh mozzarella cheese**, sliced
- 2 medium **ripe tomatoes**, thinly sliced
- Handful of **fresh basil leaves**
- **Extra virgin olive oil** for drizzling
- **Salt and black pepper** to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough forms.- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or upside-down baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.3. Shape the Dough:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle, using a rolling pin or your hands to stretch it evenly.4. Assemble the Pizza:
- Transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese and tomato slices on top of the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Bake the Pizza:
- If using a pizza peel, carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone in the oven. If using a baking sheet, place the sheet in the oven.- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.- Slice and serve the Margherita pizza immediately, savoring the delicious flavors of Italy.
Tip for Making Delicious Pizza:
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or red pepper flakes over the pizza before baking. This will add a subtle hint of spice and herbaceousness to your Margherita pizza.Other pizza recipes:
Pizza recipes you may also like:
- Ultimate Pepperoni Pizza Recipe: Perfect Homemade Pizza for a Crowd
- Easy Margherita Pizza Recipe: Simple and Delicious Homemade Pizza
- Supreme Veggie Pizza Recipe: A Colorful Feast for Four
Other pizza recipes:
- Supreme Pizza Recipe with Homemade Dough
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Recipe with Tangy Sauce
- Vegetarian Pesto Pizza Recipe with Fresh Veggies
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza Recipe: Spicy and Savory Delight
Pizza recipe video you may like:
How to Make Margherita Pizza at Home | Gordon Ramsay
With our easy homemade Margherita pizza recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned pizza enthusiast or a beginner in the world of homemade pizza, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to savor the simple yet delicious combination of fresh ingredients and classic flavors. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with every bite of this irresistible Margherita pizza!