Delicious Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pizza Dough:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.

2. Make the Pizza Sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, usually around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.

4. Shape the Pizza:

1. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll out each portion on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle (for thin crust) or your desired thickness.
2. Carefully transfer the dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal. This will make it easier to slide the pizza into the hot oven.

5. Assemble the Pizza:

1. Spread a thin layer of the homemade pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
2. Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them on top of the cheese.
4. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizza.

6. Bake the Pizza:

1. If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone in the oven. Otherwise, place the baking sheet with the pizza directly in the oven.
2. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

7. Finish and Serve:

1. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil leaves.
2. Slice and serve your homemade Margherita pizza hot and enjoy!

This classic Margherita pizza is a delightful combination of simple, fresh ingredients that create a burst of flavors in every bite. Feel free to customize it with additional toppings of your choice, such as sliced tomatoes, olives, or even pepperoni if you prefer a meaty option. Happy pizza-making!