🛒Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal for dusting
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Rolling pin
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
📝Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water (110°F). Let it stand for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Add 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar to the yeast mixture. Mix until a dough begins to form.
- 3
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as necessary, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 4
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
- 5
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
- 6
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal pieces for two pizzas.
- 7
Roll out each piece of dough on a lightly floured surface to form a round shape, about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
- 8
Spread 1/2 cup of tomato sauce evenly over each pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
- 9
Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on each pizza, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- 10
Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with a little olive oil.
- 11
Bake each pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- 12
Remove from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top.
- 13
Slice and serve hot.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 450
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use store-bought dough to save time. Follow the package instructions for baking, and proceed with the toppings as directed in this recipe.
Can I add other toppings to the Margherita pizza?
While traditional Margherita pizza is made with just basil, mozzarella, and tomato sauce, you can add toppings like sliced tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
