Description
This Authentic Italian Pizza Recipe guides you through crafting a classic thin-crust pizza with homemade yeast dough, a simple San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Perfectly baked to golden perfection in your oven, this recipe serves two and brings traditional Italian flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (100°F – 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- Salt, to taste
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the warm water with active dry yeast and let sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour while stirring until fully incorporated into a shaggy dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the kneaded dough into a bowl lightly coated with olive oil, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and minced garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest temperature setting, around 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to heat up for the best crust texture.
- Shape Your Pizza: Punch down the risen dough to release excess air, divide it into two equal portions, and roll each out on a floured surface to your preferred thinness, forming circular pizza bases.
- Assemble Your Pizza: Spread an even layer of the tomato sauce on each pizza base. Top with slices or chunks of fresh mozzarella cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Transfer the pizzas carefully onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray.
- Bake the Pizza: Bake each pizza in the oven for about 12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Remove from oven, slice, and serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven to create a crispy crust.
- Ensure your water temperature is between 100°F and 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella with low-moisture mozzarella for a less watery pizza.
- Allow the dough to rise fully for a lighter, airier crust.
- Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms or olives if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
