2 hoursMedium4 pizzas

Making pizza from scratch is easier than you think! This classic Margherita showcases simple, quality ingredients: a chewy, crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.

Ingredients - Pizza Dough

  • 3½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ingredients - Toppings

  • 1 cup pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 16 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Olive oil for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Make dough — combine flour, yeast, salt. Add water and oil, mix until dough forms.
  2. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. First rise — place in oiled bowl, cover, let rise 1 hour until doubled.
  4. Divide dough into 4 portions, shape into balls.
  5. Preheat oven to 500°F (or as hot as possible). Place pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
  6. Shape pizza — stretch one dough ball into 10-inch circle on parchment.
  7. Top — spread sauce, add mozzarella slices, drizzle with oil.
  8. Bake for 8-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles.
  9. Finish with fresh basil leaves. Repeat with remaining dough.

Pro Tips

  • Let dough come to room temperature before shaping for easier stretching
  • Don't overload with toppings — less is more for crispy crust
  • Pizza stone creates best crust, but baking sheet works too