Pizza Margherita Recipe

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.

Knead the Dough

Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Let it Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to ensure it's hot enough for baking the pizza.

Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out or stretch it into a 12-inch round pizza shape.

Add Tomato Sauce

Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the top of the dough, leaving about an inch of crust around the edges.

Add Cheese and Basil

Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute them evenly over the sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the pizza for added flavor.

Bake the Pizza

Transfer the pizza to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Cool and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice and serve hot.