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Perfect Crispy Margherita Pizza Recipe Easy Homemade 30-Minute Pizza

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This recipe delivers a perfect crispy Margherita pizza with a crackly crust and gooey, cheesy topping, ready in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) canned whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt (for sauce)
  • A handful (6-8 leaves) fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
  • 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced and patted dry
  • Extra fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, stir warm water and sugar, then sprinkle in the active dry yeast. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy and bubbly.
  2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until dough starts coming together.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add flour sparingly if sticky.
  4. Let it rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Prepare the sauce: Blend canned tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, and olive oil until slightly chunky but mostly smooth. Tear in fresh basil leaves and pulse to combine. Set aside.
  6. Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). Place pizza stone in oven before preheating if using.
  7. Shape the dough: Punch down risen dough and stretch or roll into a 12-inch (30cm) circle on a floured surface.
  8. Assemble the pizza: Place dough on parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza peel. Spread thin layer of sauce evenly, leaving a small border. Arrange mozzarella slices evenly.
  9. Bake: Slide pizza into oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and crisp and cheese is bubbly with slight browning.
  10. Garnish and serve: Remove pizza from oven, drizzle with olive oil, scatter fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle Parmesan if desired. Let rest 2-3 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use high heat (500°F/260°C) and preheat your baking surface for a crispy crust. Pat mozzarella dry to avoid sogginess. Rotate pizza halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots. Let pizza rest 2-3 minutes before slicing to prevent molten cheese spills. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For vegan, substitute vegan mozzarella and omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Margherita pizza, crispy pizza, homemade pizza, easy pizza recipe, Italian pizza, quick pizza, pizza dough, mozzarella pizza

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/perfect-crispy-margherita-pizza-recipe-easy-homemade-30-minute-pizza/