Name: Homemade Margherita Pizza Night
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp salt; 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast; 1 ¼ cups warm water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced; Fresh basil leaves; 2 tbsp olive oil; Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

Transform your family dinner into a delightful Italian experience with a Homemade Margherita Pizza Night! This classic recipe celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients, including fresh mozzarella, vibrant basil, and sweet San Marzano tomatoes. Making your own pizza dough and sauce adds a personal touch, while the toppings can be tailored to everyone’s preferences. Perfect for kids and adults alike, this activity is as fun as it is delicious. The aroma of baking pizza fills the kitchen, making memories you’ll cherish. Enjoy restaurant-quality pizza right at home and bring the warmth of Italy to your table with this timeless classic.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use a pizza stone or steel for a crispy crust.
Let the dough rise properly for better texture.
Preheat the oven to its highest temperature for authentic results.
Use fresh basil for an aromatic finish.
Don’t overload the pizza with toppings; simplicity is key.

Yield: serves 4

Homemade Margherita Pizza Night

A classic Margherita pizza with fresh ingredients, easy homemade dough, and a flavorful sauce for a perfect family dinner night.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the Dough:

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
1 ¼ cups warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

1 can (14 oz) San Marzano tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

12 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
Optional: grated Parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Gradually add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Make the Sauce:

Blend the tomatoes until smooth.
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic, and add tomatoes.
Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes and let cool.

Assemble the Pizza:

Preheat your oven to 475°F (250°C), with a pizza stone if available.
Roll out the dough into two 12-inch rounds.
Spread the sauce evenly over the crust.
Top with mozzarella slices and drizzle olive oil.

Bake:

Transfer to the hot oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.

Finish:

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.
Slice and serve hot.

Notes

Dough can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Experiment with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or arugula.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 806Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 23gCholesterol 56mgSodium 1119mgCarbohydrates 89gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 28g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.