Margherita Pizza Recipe
Classic pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Dough
Sauce
Toppings
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
Let Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Sauce Preparation
- 5
Assembly and Baking
- 6
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- 7
Shape Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
- 8
Add Sauce and Toppings
Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or floured baking sheet. Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the base, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
- 9
Bake Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- 10
Finish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and drizzle with olive oil to taste. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, slice, and serve hot.
