![To make a great Margherita pizza, you need just a few essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup canned San Marzano tomatoes, crushed - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - Fresh basil leaves - Salt and pepper to taste - Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling These ingredients create a simple and fresh pizza. The dough forms the base, while the tomatoes and cheese give it that classic taste. I highly recommend using San Marzano tomatoes for your sauce. Look for brands like Cento or San Marzano Organic. These tomatoes are sweet and rich, making them ideal for pizza sauce. They come from a specific region in Italy, which gives them a unique flavor. Using quality tomatoes makes a big difference in taste. You can add a few optional ingredients to enhance your pizza. Consider these: - Garlic cloves, minced - Red pepper flakes for heat - Oregano or fresh thyme for herbal notes These add-ins can elevate the flavor of your pizza. Play around with them to find your perfect mix. If you want to make your pizza unique, try adding these extra ingredients! To make the dough, start by mixing the flour, instant yeast, and salt in a bowl. Next, slowly add warm water and olive oil. Use a wooden spoon or your hand to mix until it turns into a shaggy dough. This part is fun! Once mixed, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. This is key for that perfect crust. After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour. It should double in size. While the dough rises, let’s make the sauce. Grab your canned San Marzano tomatoes. Crush them well in a bowl. You can use a fork or your hands. This gives a fresh taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is simple but packed with great flavor. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Transfer it back to a floured surface. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll or stretch one piece into a circle about 10 to 12 inches wide. Now, place the shaped dough on parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of your fresh sauce over it. Leave a small border around the edge. This is where the crust will form. Next, place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Tuck a few fresh basil leaves among the cheese. Now, carefully move the pizza (with parchment) to the hot pizza stone or baking tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the crust to be golden and the cheese to bubble. When it's done, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the top. Add more basil leaves for a fresh look. Finally, let the pizza cool for a few minutes. Slice it into wedges and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make great dough, use high-quality flour. I recommend all-purpose flour for its balance. Mix the dry ingredients first. Then, add warm water slowly. This helps form a soft, smooth dough. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it elastic and not sticky. Let the dough rise in a warm spot until it doubles. This step is key for the best texture. For true Italian taste, use San Marzano tomatoes. They are sweeter and less acidic. Crush them gently by hand for a rustic sauce. Use fresh mozzarella for creamy richness. Make sure to slice it thinly. Add fresh basil leaves before baking. This enhances the aroma and flavor of the pizza. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) for the best results. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside to heat up. This helps create a crispy crust. Use parchment paper to transfer your pizza easily. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for a golden crust and bubbling cheese. Once done, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added flavor. These steps guarantee a delicious homemade Margherita pizza. For more details on the recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} To make a vegan Margherita pizza, swap the fresh mozzarella with plant-based cheese. Many brands offer tasty vegan cheese that melts well. You can also use cashew cheese for a creamy texture. Use the same tomato base and fresh basil for flavor. This way, you enjoy all the classic tastes without animal products. If you need a gluten-free option, you can make dough with gluten-free flour. Look for blends made for pizza. Follow the same steps in the Full Recipe, but let the dough rise a bit longer. This helps improve the texture. You can also buy pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts for a quick solution. Want to add a twist? Consider topping your pizza with arugula after baking. The peppery taste works great with the cheese. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. Thin slices of prosciutto or fresh figs add a sweet touch. Experimenting with toppings can create new flavors you’ll love! To store leftover pizza, place it in an airtight container. You can also wrap each slice in plastic wrap. This keeps the pizza fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wrap it well, it won't dry out. For the best reheating method, use a skillet. Place the pizza slice in a cold skillet, then turn on the heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid. This method warms the pizza evenly and keeps the crust crispy. It takes about 5-8 minutes. You can also use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C), then bake the pizza for about 10 minutes. You can freeze pizza dough for later. After kneading the dough, shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. The dough can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, move the dough to the fridge for 8 hours to thaw. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using. This way, you'll always have dough ready for a quick pizza night! The key to a great Margherita Pizza is fresh ingredients. Use high-quality tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. San Marzano tomatoes bring rich flavor. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Lastly, fresh basil gives a bright taste. Balance is vital. Each bite should feel fresh and simple. Yes, you can use regular tomatoes. However, San Marzano tomatoes offer unique sweetness and less acidity. If you use regular tomatoes, try to choose ripe ones. They should be juicy and flavorful. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. This helps to mimic the taste of San Marzano. To make a crispy crust, use a hot oven. Preheat it to about 475°F (245°C). A pizza stone helps absorb heat. This gives the crust a good crunch. Also, avoid too much sauce and cheese. Less moisture means a crisper crust. Bake until golden brown for the best result. The best oven temperature for baking pizza is between 475°F and 500°F (245°C to 260°C). This high heat cooks the pizza quickly. It helps the crust rise and become crisp. If you have a pizza stone, preheat it with the oven. This ensures the bottom cooks evenly. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. Making homemade Margherita pizza is fun and simple. You learned about key ingredients, like San Marzano tomatoes and optional flavor boosters. The step-by-step guide gave clear instructions for dough, sauce, and assembly. I shared tips for perfect texture and baking. You can try vegan and gluten-free options to suit your tastes. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy with my tips. Just remember, great pizza starts with good ingredients and practice. Enjoy creating your own masterpiece!](https://savoryspiral.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/338d3b0a-3183-40ae-b7ba-68baafd3a417-250x250.webp)
Homemade Margherita Pizza
Discover how to make the perfect Classic Margherita Pizza at home with this easy recipe! Using fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella, you'll create a delicious pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. In just over an hour, savor the delightful flavors of homemade dough topped with fragrant basil and drizzled with olive oil. Click to explore the step-by-step guide and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!