Margherita Pizza

Cuisines

Best for

Often paired with

Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups	all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon	salt
1 teaspoon	sugar
1 tablespoon	olive oil
3/4 cup	warm water
1 teaspoon	active dry yeast
1 cup	tomato sauce
8 ounces	fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup	fresh basil leaves
—	extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. 1 In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2 In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
3. 3 Add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4 Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5 Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6 Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
7. 7 Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions.
8. 8 Roll out each portion on a floured surface into a 10-12 inch circle.
9. 9 Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
10. 10 Tear the mozzarella cheese into pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce.
11. 11 Transfer the pizzas onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
12. 12 Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
13. 13 Slice and serve hot.