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Delicious Homemade Pizza Margherita photo

Homemade Pizza Margherita

This Homemade Pizza Margherita is a delightful celebration of fresh ingredients!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easy, Homemade, Pizza
Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups bread flour high-protein flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast Red Star Platinum Yeast recommended
  • 1 ¼ cups ice water
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • more flour for dusting

For the Sauce:

  • 1 can San Marzano tomatoes high-quality, crushed by hand
  • pinch salt
  • drizzle of olive oil

For Toppings:

  • 1 ball fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
  • to taste fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Instructions:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined. Gradually add the ice water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Sprinkle a little more flour on top to prevent sticking. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
  • Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning the dough to coat it in oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • While the dough is rising, prepare your pizza sauce. Use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, crush them by hand, and mix in a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into two equal portions for two pizzas. On a floured surface, gently stretch or roll out one portion into a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter.
  • Transfer the shaped dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of your prepared tomato sauce over the base. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter it over the sauce. Drizzle a little olive oil on top and add fresh basil leaves.
  • Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually around 475°F to 500°F). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well. Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly charred.
  • Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and allow it to cool for a minute. Garnish with more fresh basil, slice, and serve hot.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or dough scraper
  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Rolling Pin
  • Oven

Notes

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Let the dough rest if it's too sticky to handle.
  • Preheat the pizza stone for a crispier crust.