Few things are as satisfying as a freshly baked Margherita pizza with its crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Making it from scratch might seem intimidating, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a perfect pizza at home. Follow this guide to create an authentic Italian-style Margherita pizza!
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (400g) San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
Toppings:
- 200g fresh mozzarella (preferably buffalo mozzarella)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
Blend the canned tomatoes until smooth. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add blended tomatoes, salt, oregano, and sugar. Simmer for 10 minutes, then let cool.
3. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (250°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
4. Shape the Dough
Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a thin circle. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel if using a stone.
5. Assemble the Pizza
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough. Tear mozzarella into chunks and distribute evenly. Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake the Pizza
Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the pizza cool slightly, slice, and serve hot!
Tips for the Best Homemade Margherita Pizza
- Use High-Quality Tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes provide the best flavor.
- Don’t Overload the Pizza: Less is more—keep toppings simple for a classic taste.
- Use a Hot Oven: A high temperature ensures a crisp crust.
- Let the Dough Rest: The longer it rests, the better the flavor.
With this easy recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-style Margherita pizza at home. Try it out and savor the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!