Homemade Pizza Dough & Margherita Pizza

Ingredients

• 3.5 cups bread flour
• 1.25 cups warm water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp instant yeast
• 2 tsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy

2. 2

   Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until shaggy dough forms

3. 3

   Knead on floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic

4. 4

   Place in oiled bowl, cover, and rise in warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled

5. 5

   Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). If using pizza stone, place in oven while preheating

6. 6

   Punch down dough and divide into 2 portions for 2 pizzas

7. 7

   Roll out each portion to 12-14 inch circle on floured surface

8. 8

   Transfer to pizza pan or parchment paper if using stone

9. 9

   Spread sauce leaving 1-inch border, add mozzarella

10. 10

    Bake 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly

11. 11

    Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil before serving