Description
This Margherita Pizza recipe guides you through making a classic Italian favorite at home with a homemade dough, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a simple tomato sauce, baked to perfection on a pizza stone for a crispy crust and authentic flavor.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- ⅛ Cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- ¾ Cup warm water
- 1 Teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 Teaspoon salt
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 2¼ Teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 Cups all purpose flour
Toppings
- ½ to ¾ Cup pizza sauce
- 8 Ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ¼ Cup fresh basil leaves
Optional
- Hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast with ¾ cup warm water and whisk until combined. Allow to sit for 2 minutes until foamy.
- Mix dough ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon salt, ⅛ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar to the yeast mixture. Mix well, then gradually add 2 cups all purpose flour, stirring with a spatula until no flour is visible and the dough is sticky.
- Let dough rise: Coat another bowl with olive oil, transfer the dough into it. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel and let rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough: Transfer risen dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it a few times until smooth ball forms. Let it rest under a tea towel for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven and pizza stone: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up thoroughly.
- Shape the dough: Using light pinching motions, stretch and shape the dough into a 10 to 12-inch circle.
- Prepare pizza base: Remove the hot pizza stone from the oven carefully and place the shaped dough directly on it. Spread about ½ cup pizza sauce evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon.
- Add cheese: Arrange the sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce.
- Bake: Return the pizza stone with the dough to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove pizza from the oven, top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle a little salt. Optionally, drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-spicy kick. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone for the crispiest crust, making sure it is fully preheated before baking.
- Allowing the dough to rise properly is crucial for a light and airy crust.
- Fresh mozzarella provides the best melting texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have a pizza stone, use a baking sheet, but reduce oven temperature slightly and bake longer.
- Hot honey drizzle is optional but adds a delicious contrast to the savory pizza.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
