Irresistible Homemade Margherita Pizza with Tomato & Basil

The aroma of freshly baked dough wafting through your kitchen, topped with luscious tomatoes and fragrant basil, is the stuff of culinary dreams. Imagine biting into a slice of homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil, where the crispy crust cradles a symphony of flavors bursting with fresh ingredients. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!

Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making this Italian classic. Picture me, an eager yet slightly clueless home cook, flinging flour everywhere like confetti at a wedding. I might have created more of a pizza battlefield than a dinner masterpiece, but the taste? Oh boy! It was love at first bite, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Trust me; this delightful dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing your friends during movie night. Get ready for an unforgettable flavor adventure!

Ingredients for homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: This will be the base of your dough; look for high-quality flour for the best results.
• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for creating that fluffy texture; fresh yeast works best.
• Warm Water: Use water that feels warm to the touch—about 110°F (43°C)—to activate the yeast.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness to the dough and flavor to the finished pizza.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor profile of your homemade crust.

For the Toppings:

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella that melts beautifully; it’s key to that gooey goodness.
• Ripe Tomatoes: Use fresh tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes for their rich flavor and sweetness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds vibrant color and aromatic freshness—don’t skip this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt into the mix. Stir until combined.

Step 2: Knead It Out

Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can pretend you’re training for a boxing match if that helps!

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size—about an hour should do it.

Step 4: Shape Your Pizza

Once risen, punch down the dough (take out those frustrations!) before rolling it out into your desired shape on a floured surface.

Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Spread crushed tomatoes evenly across the surface of your rolled-out dough. Tear fresh mozzarella into chunks and scatter them over the sauce with wild abandon. Sprinkle those beautiful basil leaves on top.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Preheat your oven to its highest setting—ideally around 475°F (245°C). Slide your pizza onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra olive oil for that perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in the glory of your homemade culinary creation!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing your pizza dough and letting it rise while you preheat the oven. Next, prepare your tomato sauce. Once both are ready, assemble your pizza with fresh mozzarella and basil before baking until golden perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh mozzarella for burrata or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to give your homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, preserving that crispy crust.

I once made this homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil for my friends’ movie night, and they devoured it! It turned into an impromptu pizza-making competition, which was hilariously fun!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil?

To make homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil, you will need a few key ingredients. Start with pizza dough, which can be store-bought or made from scratch. For the toppings, use fresh tomatoes, preferably San Marzano for authentic flavor, and high-quality mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil leaves are essential for that classic taste. Don’t forget olive oil, salt, and optional garlic for extra flavor. This simple list of ingredients is what makes this pizza truly special.

How do I prepare the dough for homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil?

Preparing the dough for homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil is straightforward. Mix flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl until it forms a ball. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Allow it to rise in a warm place for at least an hour or until it doubles in size. Once risen, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness before adding your toppings.

What is the best way to cook homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil?

The best way to cook homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil is by using a hot oven or a pizza stone. Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking. Slide your topped pizza onto the stone or use a baking sheet if you don’t have one. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Can I customize my homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil?

Absolutely! While traditional homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil features just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, you can customize it to suit your taste. Feel free to add other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or even spicy pepperoni if you desire more flavor. Just remember that too many toppings may weigh down the delicate balance of flavors in this classic dish.

Conclusion for homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil:

In conclusion, making homemade margherita pizza with tomato and basil is both simple and rewarding. By focusing on high-quality ingredients like fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves, you can create an authentic Italian experience right in your own kitchen. Don’t forget the importance of a well-prepared dough that rises beautifully to hold all those delicious flavors together. Enjoy this delightful dish as a perfect meal anytime!

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Homemade Margherita Pizza with Tomato and Basil

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Discover the delightful balance of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and gooey mozzarella on a crispy homemade crust—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into chunks
• 1 cup ripe tomatoes, crushed (or canned San Marzano)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• Extra olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add all-purpose flour, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined.
3. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
5. Preheat your oven to its highest setting (around 475°F/245°C).
6. Once risen, punch down the dough and roll it out to your desired thickness on a floured surface.
7. Spread crushed tomatoes evenly over the rolled-out dough.
8. Scatter torn mozzarella chunks over the sauce and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For an authentic flavor, use San Marzano tomatoes as they are sweeter and less acidic. Feel free to add other toppings like olives or mushrooms while keeping it balanced.