Classic Margherita Pizza Simple and Flavorful Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
• 0.75 cup warm water (about 110°F)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• fresh basil leaves
• extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well.
2. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking stone or inverted baking tray inside to heat up.
6. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll it out to your desired thickness (thin crust is traditional for Margherita).
7. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a piece of parchment paper.
8. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the base, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
10. Transfer the pizza on the parchment to the heated baking stone or tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
11. Remove the pizza from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
12. Let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve immediately.