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Easy Homemade Pizza Margherita photo

Homemade Pizza Margherita

This Homemade Pizza Margherita is a delightful classic! With fresh ingredients and a crispy crust, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups bread flour (plus more to dust the work surface)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast (I use Red Star Platinum Yeast)
  • 1 ¼ cups ice water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more to oil the work surface)

For the Pizza:

  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Dough:

  • Start by combining the bread flour, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and add the ice water, salt, and olive oil. Using a wooden spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
  • Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat the surface. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • About 30 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into two equal portions for two pizzas. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out one portion of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
  • Transfer the shaped dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread half of the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Layer with slices of fresh mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
  • Carefully slide the assembled pizza onto the preheated baking stone or place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Add a few more fresh basil leaves for garnish, slice, and serve hot. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and toppings.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Dough scraper
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking stone or sheet
  • Pizza Peel

Notes

  • For added flavor, use roasted garlic on the crust before adding the sauce.
  • Customize with seasonal toppings like cherry tomatoes or prosciutto.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.