Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Italian pizza featuring a hand-stretched thin crust topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 92 minutes pairs high-gluten flour, warm water, active dry yeast for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 80 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 150ml warm water (about 105°F). Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 250g high-gluten flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Mix and knead for 8-10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by blending 150g canned crushed tomatoes, 1 clove minced garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
  5. Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, hand-stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick, leaving a slightly thicker edge.
  6. Step 6: Spread all the tomato sauce evenly over the dough using the back of a spoon, leaving a 1-inch border.
  7. Step 7: Tear 125g fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce.
  8. Step 8: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
  9. Step 9: Remove from oven, scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 92 minutes (80 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep high-gluten flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Hand-Stretched Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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