🍕 Classic Margherita Pizza
Are you ready;
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 2–3
About This Recipe
Margherita Pizza is a simple pizza made with a soft, flavorful crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a little olive oil. Its simple ingredients let each flavor stand out.
This homemade version is perfect for a family dinner, weekend cooking, or a casual pizza night. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake.
🍅 Ingredients:
For the Dough
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ cup warm water, plus a little more if needed
For the Topping
- ½ cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- A small pinch of salt
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Dough
Add the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt to a large bowl. Mix the dry ingredients together.
Add the warm water and olive oil gradually while stirring.
Once a rough dough forms, transfer it to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 7–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
Let it rest in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until it has noticeably increased in size.
2. Prepare the Oven
About 20–30 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
If you’re using a pizza stone or pizza steel, place it in the oven while it preheats.
A very hot oven helps the pizza crust develop a nicely browned exterior.
3. Shape the Dough
Once the dough has rested, gently press it down to release some of the air.
Place it on a lightly floured surface and stretch or roll it into a round pizza shape.
Aim for a reasonably thin center while leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
Transfer the dough to a pizza pan, baking sheet, or preheated pizza surface.
4. Add the Sauce
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
Leave a small border around the edge for the crust.
Avoid using too much sauce because excess moisture can make the center of the pizza difficult to bake properly.
5. Add the Mozzarella
Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
You don’t need to completely cover every part of the pizza. Leaving some tomato sauce visible creates the classic Margherita appearance.
Add a small pinch of salt and black pepper if desired.
6. Bake
Carefully place the pizza into the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on your oven and the thickness of the crust.
The pizza is ready when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and lightly browned in places.
7. Add Fresh Basil
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top.
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes before slicing.
8. Slice and Serve
Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to divide the pizza into slices.
Serve while warm with extra fresh basil and a small drizzle of olive oil.
🍕 Tips for Better Pizza:
Use a very hot oven: High heat helps produce a better crust.
Don’t overload the toppings: Too many toppings can make the pizza heavy and soggy.
Drain fresh mozzarella: If the cheese contains a lot of moisture, gently pat it dry before using.
Let the dough rest: Proper resting gives the dough a lighter texture.
Use fresh basil: Add basil after baking to preserve its fresh flavor and appearance.
🥗 What to Serve With Margherita Pizza:
Margherita Pizza pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light tomato salad.
For a casual family meal, serve the pizza with a fresh salad and sparkling water or another favorite non-alcoholic drink.
⭐ Final Thoughts:
Classic Margherita Pizza proves that you don’t need complicated toppings to make a delicious pizza. A crisp, homemade crust combined with tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil creates a simple and satisfying meal.
It’s an excellent recipe to add to Recipes by Noelle because it’s familiar, easy to customize, and perfect for pizza night.