Hand-Stretched Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella
Classic Italian-style pizza with a thin, chewy crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves baked to perfection. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 90 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, warm water (110°F) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast and 1 tsp sugar in 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F). Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp salt. Make a well and pour in the yeast mixture and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir to form a dough.
- Step 3: Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour until doubled.
- Step 4: Preheat oven to 500°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Step 5: Prepare sauce by mixing 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes with 1 minced garlic clove.
- Step 6: Punch down dough and divide into two balls. Roll or stretch one ball into a 12-inch circle on parchment paper.
- Step 7: Spread half the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Distribute 4 oz sliced fresh mozzarella on top.
- Step 8: Slide pizza on parchment onto hot pizza stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbly.
- Step 9: Remove pizza, scatter 1/8 cup fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil before slicing and serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hand-Stretched Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (80 min prep + 10 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 Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?
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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hand-Stretched Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?
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 Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.
What goes well with Hand-Stretched Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella?
Italian pizza like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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