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pizza margherita recipe

Authentic Homemade Pizza Margherita from Scratch

A classic Italian pizza featuring a crispy crust, fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil for an authentic taste of Italy.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Dough
  • cups water heated to 110°F
  • ¾ tablespoon fast-rising yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar for the dough
  • 4 cups bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for the dough
For the Pizza Sauce
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ¾ tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar for the sauce
For Topping the Pizza
  • 4 ounces bocconcini fresh mozzarella, cubed
  • 1 cup fresh basil torn
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling
  • to taste fresh ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • mixing bowl
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together warm water (110°F), fast-rising yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar for the dough. Let sit until foamy, about 5 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine bread flour and salt. Add the foamy yeast mixture and 3 tablespoons olive oil for the dough. Mix until incorporated.
  3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 45-60 minutes until doubled in size.
  5. While the dough rises, make the pizza sauce by pulsing tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic salt, oregano, dried basil, and 1 teaspoon sugar for the sauce in a food processor about 10 times until smooth.
  6. Divide the risen dough in half and roll each piece into a 12-15 inch circle on a floured surface.
  7. Spread about ½ cup of pizza sauce onto each dough circle. Top with cubed bocconcini, torn fresh basil, and grated mozzarella cheese.
  8. Drizzle each pizza with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
  9. Bake in a preheated 500°F oven for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.

Notes

For the best flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes in your sauce for a sweeter, less acidic taste.