Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe (Beginner Friendly)

✅ Ingredients (Makes 2 medium pizzas)

🔸 For the Dough:

(same dough as before)
 • 2½ cups all-purpose flour (about 300g)
 • 1 tsp instant dry yeast
 • 1 tsp sugar
 • ¾ cup warm water (180ml)
 • 2 tbsp olive oil
 • ¾ tsp salt

🔸 For the Sauce:
 • ½ cup tomato sauce (plain or with herbs)
 • 1 tsp olive oil
 • 1 small garlic clove (minced – optional)
 • A pinch of salt + dried oregano

🔸 For the Topping:
 • 1 ball of fresh mozzarella (or ½ cup shredded mozzarella)
 • Fresh basil leaves
 • A drizzle of olive oil
 • Optional: a few cherry tomatoes sliced in halves

⏱️ Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 1. Prepare the Dough:
 1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast.
➜ Wait 10 minutes until frothy.
 2. Add olive oil and gradually mix in the flour to form dough.
 3. Add salt and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand, or 5 minutes with mixer.
 4. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot until doubled in size.

🔹 2. Make the Sauce:
 1. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
 2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (optional step).
 3. Add tomato sauce, salt, and oregano.
➜ Let it simmer for 4–5 minutes, then remove from heat.

🔹 3. Roll the Dough:
 1. After rising, divide the dough in two.
 2. Roll each into a circle about ½ cm thick on a floured surface.
 3. Transfer to a pizza peel or baking sheet.

🔹 4. Assemble the Pizza:
 1. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the tomato sauce over the dough.
 2. Tear fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the sauce.
 3. Add a few fresh basil leaves.
 4. (Optional) Add cherry tomato halves for extra flavor.

🔹 5. Bake the Pizza:
 • Preheat oven to 450°F (230–250°C) for at least 15 minutes.
 • Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
 • Once out of the oven, drizzle a little olive oil and add a couple more fresh basil leaves.

✅ Pro Tips:
 • Don’t overload the pizza – Margherita is all about simplicity and fresh flavor.
 • Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for the best result.
 • Serve hot — straight from the oven for that classic Italian taste 🇮🇹