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Today I'm showing you exactly how to make my favorite Margherita Pizza!

My Favorite Margherita Pizza

Ashley Manila
My favorite recipe for Margherita Pizza. The crust and sauce can be made in advance and frozen for two months.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Inactive Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 48 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 slices

Ingredients
 

For the Crust:

  • 3 and 3/4 cups bread flour
  • 1 and 1/4 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 envelope active dry yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 and 1/2 cups water, 110 - 115 degrees (F)
  • 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings:

  • 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into chunky cubes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees (F) at least 30 minutes prior to baking pizza.

For the Crust:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt; stir to combine.
  • Turn mixer on low speed and add the water and 2 tablespoons of the oil; beat until the dough forms into a ball around the hook. If the dough is super sticky, add additional flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a solid ball. If the dough is too dry, add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  • Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead into a smooth, firm ball.
  • Grease a large bowl with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, add the dough, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place the bowl in a warm area and let it double in size, about 90 minutes.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 2 equal pieces. Wrap one dough well in saran wrap and place in the freezer for a later use.
  • Place the dough you'll be using on a piece of plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes.

For the Sauce:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-heat. Add the garlic and saute until lightly golden and fragrant; about 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce and tomato paste and stir until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients and bring to slow simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and slightly cool before spreading the sauce on your prepared pizza dough.

Toppings and Assembly:

  • Chop the cheese into 2" cubes, then place them in a large, clean bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer for 20 minutes.
  • Roll the dough out into a large circle (about 12 inches). Pour a 1/4 cup of sauce in the center and spread it around evenly. Add the cheese. Place pizza in the oven to bake for 16-18 minutes, or until the crust is set and the cheese is bubbling. Sprinkle the warm pizza with fresh basil leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Cut into slices and serve at once!

Notes

Total time includes dough rising.
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