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Homemade Margherita Pizza in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Margherita Pizza in 30 Minutes offers a quick and easy way to enjoy authentic Italian flavors at home. Featuring a tender yet crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting, homemade pizza made with simple, natural ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 cup fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (preferably Roma or vine tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or passata
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For Topping
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful), plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start by combining 3/4 cup warm water and 1 tsp instant yeast in a bowl, letting it bloom for about 5 minutes. Gradually mix in 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil until a soft dough forms. Knead briefly on a floured surface until smooth, then set aside to rest while you prepare the toppings.
- Make the Tomato Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste or passata, 1 minced garlic clove (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir until well mixed to create a fresh, juicy sauce.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, ideally 475°F (245°C). Roll or stretch the dough to fit your baking tray or pizza stone, keeping it slightly thick for a crispy and airy crust.
- Assemble Your Pizza: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear fresh mozzarella into chunks and distribute them evenly on top. Scatter some basil leaves now or add fresh ones after baking for a bright flavor.
- Bake and Enjoy: Bake the pizza on the middle rack for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Remove from oven, add finishing basil leaves if you haven’t yet, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone or steel to achieve an evenly crisp crust similar to professional pizzerias.
- Bring mozzarella and dough to room temperature before assembling for better melting and stretching.
- Avoid overloading with sauce or cheese to prevent sogginess.
- Hand-stretch the dough to preserve air bubbles for a light texture.
- Preheat the oven adequately for authentic, wood-fired style results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 of pizza
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg