01Making the Pizza Dough

  • In a mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
  • In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 packet of active dry yeast in 1 cup of warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  • Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.

02Preparing the Pizza Sauce

  • In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in a can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
  • Simmer the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
  • Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool before using it as a pizza topping.

03Assembling and Baking the Pizza

  • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (usually around 500°F or 260°C).
  • Divide the pizza dough into desired portions and shape them into balls. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
  • On a floured surface, roll out each ball of dough into a round pizza crust.
  • Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Spread a generous amount of the prepared pizza sauce onto the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
  • Top the sauce with fresh mozzarella cheese slices and fresh basil leaves.
  • Drizzle some olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  • Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Slice the pizza and serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.

Conclusion

Making a margherita pizza from scratch may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious pizza that rivals those from your favorite pizzerias. From the homemade dough to the flavorful sauce and fresh toppings, every step contributes to the authentic margherita pizza experience. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a pizza-making adventure that will leave you with a mouthwatering margherita pizza.

MethodsDetails
1Make the pizza dough by combining flour, salt, sugar, and yeast mixture.
2Prepare the pizza sauce by cooking garlic, crushed tomatoes, and seasoning.
3Assemble the pizza by rolling out the dough, spreading sauce, adding cheese and basil.
4Bake the pizza in a preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
5Slice and serve the freshly baked margherita pizza, garnished with basil leaves.
margherita pizza
homemade pizza
pizza making
Italian cuisine
pizza dough
pizza toppings