Easy Pizza Margherita Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising) Cook Time: 12–15 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 2–4

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the topping:

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into pieces

• 2–3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced or ½ cup tomato sauce

• 6–8 fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough: In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit 5–10 minutes until frothy. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add yeast mixture and olive oil. Knead until smooth, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.

2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.

3. Shape the dough: Punch down the dough and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

4. Assemble the pizza: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce or arrange tomato slices over the dough. Evenly distribute mozzarella on top. Season lightly with salt and drizzle with olive oil.

5. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Add fresh basil and serve: Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Margherita

• Cheese choice: Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture.

• Crispier crust: Preheat a pizza stone or bake on a hot baking sheet.

• Extra flavor: Drizzle with a little more olive oil before serving.