Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe to make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. The smell of fresh basil, melting mozzarella, and sweet, tangy tomato sauce wafting through your home is a sure-fire way to get the entire family scurrying to the dinner table. This authentic Italian delight is a marvelous choice for a chill family pizza night or when you are looking to impress your friends with your pizza-tossing skills. A bite of our Homemade Margherita Pizza feels like you’ve taken a mini trip to Naples, Italy – the birthplace of pizza itself. It’s cheesy, crispy, and packed with fresh flavors that harmoniously sing in your mouth, making every bite better than the last. This is a treat you will love!

We have simplified this recipe to make it accessible for any budding home chef or even for those of you who prefer a good homemade meal bereft of the fuss. Everything is just uncomplicated goodness! This recipe is going to get you that crispy, lightly-charred crust, gooey cheese, and the perfect balance of tomato sauce to make your pizza-eating experience a delight.

• Prep time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Servings: 2 pizzas
• Yield: 8 slices per pizza

Ready to roll up your sleeves and start tossing some dough? Let’s do it!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 3 3/4 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 envelope instant dry yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups water, 110 degrees F
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons
• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 2 balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
• A handful fresh basil leaves

Equipment

Pizza stone and pizza peel

The yeast and sugar combo helps in the fermentation of the dough. This will make your pizza dough rise and become soft and fluffy. Also, using bread flour instead of regular flour will give your crust that desirable chewiness. And don’t forget fresh mozzarella, it’s a non-negotiable ��� trust us, nothing beats it!

How To Make Homemade Margherita Pizza

1. First, you need to prepare your dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and kosher salt.
2. While stirring, gradually add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil. Continue stirring until well combined.
3. When the dough becomes firm, begin kneading. The dough should be smooth and elastic when ready.
4. Place the dough ball in a slightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp cloth. It’s important to let it rest and rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is crucial for a soft, fluffy crust.
5. After an hour, divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each piece on a floured surface into a pizza shape.
6. Preheat your oven as high as it will go and place your pizza stone in the oven.
7. Top your pizza with tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. And don’t forget the fresh basil – add as much or as little as you like.
8. Cook it in the oven for about 10 – 15 minutes but watch it closely. When the crust gets that beautiful golden brown color around the edges, your pizza is done.

Tips For The Best Results

• Always preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible.
• Do not overwhelm the pizza with the toppings, a little goes a long way with a Margherita.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover pizza in airtight containers.
• The pizzas freeze really well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of bread flour?

A: For a proper Margherita pizza, you’ll want to use bread flour. It gives your crust the perfect chewy texture.

Q: Can I use a regular pan instead of a pizza stone?

A: Yes, you can, but using a pizza stone gives your crust the perfect crispness.

Q: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

A: No, dried basil won’t offer the same fresh flavor. Always go for fresh basil when you can.

Q: How do I know my pizza dough has risen enough?

A: The dough should have doubled in size and no longer spring back when you poke it.

Q: Can I freeze my leftover pizza?

A: Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to three months.

Nutritional Facts of Homemade Margherita Pizza

This Homemade Margherita Pizza recipe yields about 300 calories per slice, with 8 grams of protein, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, and 12 grams of fat.

Making Homemade Margherita Pizza is super fun and flavorful – a surefire way to ace a weekend get-together or a quiet family night in. It’s simple, classy and totally delish! Oh, and remember, this pizza was meant to be enjoyed straight out of the oven. So grab a slice and savor the classical Italian masterpiece you just whipped up. Va bene!