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homemade margherita pizza recipe

Pizza Margherita From Scratch

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This classic Italian pizza features a homemade dough that achieves the perfect balance of crispy exterior and chewy interior. With a bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, this Pizza Margherita delivers authentic Neapolitan flavors right from your home oven.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 2 pizzas
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 tablespoon fast-rising yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups water 110°F
  • 4 cups bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for dough
  • 2 teaspoons sugar divided (1 tsp for dough, 1 tsp for sauce)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 3/4 tablespoon dried basil
  • 4 ounces bocconcini (fresh mozzarella) cubed
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
  • 1 cup fresh basil torn
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil for topping
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Pizza stone or baking sheet
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine warm water (110°F), yeast, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Whisk gently and let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Add bread flour, salt, and 3 tablespoons olive oil to the activated yeast mixture. Combine until a dough forms.
  3. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 45-60 minutes.
  5. While the dough rises, prepare the sauce by combining tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic salt, oregano, dried basil, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a food processor. Pulse about 10 times until smooth but still slightly textured.
  6. Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
  7. Once the dough has doubled, divide it in half. On a floured surface, roll or stretch each portion into a 12-15 inch round crust.
  8. Spread about 1/2 cup of sauce on each pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edge.
  9. Distribute the cubed bocconcini, torn fresh basil, and grated mozzarella evenly between both pizzas.
  10. Drizzle each pizza with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
  11. Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated stone or a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the crust develops char spots.
  12. Allow the pizza to rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal

Notes

For the most authentic results, use San Marzano tomatoes in your sauce and high-quality fresh mozzarella. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight for a deeper flavor - just bring it to room temperature before shaping. If you don't have a pizza stone, an inverted baking sheet preheated in the oven works well too.
Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore the crispy crust.

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