Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of a hot, cheesy Margherita pizza — crispy golden crust, tangy tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. It’s minimal in ingredients but maximum in flavor. This homemade version tastes just like your favorite pizzeria — with stretchy cheese pulls, blistered crust, and that unbeatable aroma right out of the oven. Whether you’re a pizza lover or a weekend cook, this recipe delivers authentic taste with easy steps.

PREP TIME	RESTING TIME	COOK TIME
15 MIN	1 to 1.5 hours (for dough rise)	12–15 minutes

Ingredients:

🔹 For Pizza Dough (makes 2 medium bases):

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)

1 tsp instant dry yeast

1 tsp sugar

¾ tsp salt

¾ cup warm water (adjust as needed)

1 tbsp olive oil (or any neutral oil)

💡 If using store-bought pizza base, skip this section.

🔹 For Pizza Sauce:

3 medium tomatoes (blanched & pureed or use canned)

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp chili flakes

½ tsp oregano or Italian seasoning

½ tsp sugar

Salt to taste

Simmer all ingredients for 10–15 minutes to make a thick, flavorful sauce.

🔹 For Toppings:

1 to 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (use pizza-grade)

A few fresh basil leaves

1–2 tsp olive oil (for drizzling)

Pinch of chili flakes and oregano (for garnish)

Equipments:

Large mixing bowl (for dough)

Measuring cups and spoons

Rolling pin or your hands (for shaping dough)

Non-stick tawa, pizza pan, or oven-safe tray (depending on method)

Ladle or spoon (for spreading sauce)

Oven or gas stove

Grater (for mozzarella, if using block)

Spatula or pizza cutter

Parchment paper (optional, for baking tray)

💡 If using a gas stove/tawa: a wire stand (rati) or cover helps with proper cooking and browning.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

• In a large mixing bowl, add warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let it rest for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
• Add flour and salt, mix into a sticky dough. Add olive oil and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Cover the bowl and let it rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

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Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce

• In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Add tomato puree, chili flakes, oregano, sugar, and salt.
• Cook on low flame for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside to cool.

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Step 3: Preheat Oven or Tawa

• Oven: Preheat to 230°C (450°F) for 10–15 minutes.
• Tawa: Place a wire stand inside a deep pan with lid. Preheat covered for 10 minutes on medium flame.

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Step 4: Shape the Dough

• Punch the dough to release air. Divide into 2 equal parts.
• Roll each portion into an 8-inch circle using a rolling pin or your hands.
• Transfer to a pizza tray, baking sheet, or greased tawa plate.

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Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

• Spread a ladle of pizza sauce evenly on the base.
• Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.
• Top with fresh basil leaves and drizzle a little olive oil.

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Step 6: Bake or Cook

• Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
• Tawa: Place the pizza tray on the preheated wire stand, cover tightly, and cook for 12–15 minutes on low flame until cheese melts and crust firms up.

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Step 7: Serve Hot

• Let the pizza cool for a minute, then slice and serve with extra chili flakes and oregano.

🍕 That’s your café-style Margherita at home — simple, cheesy, and utterly satisfying!

Chef’s Notes & Cooking Tips

• Use good-quality mozzarella — pizza-grade or low-moisture mozzarella gives the perfect melt and stretch without making the base soggy.
• Always preheat your oven or tawa to ensure the crust cooks evenly and turns golden.
• For an extra crisp base, lightly brush olive oil on the edges of the dough before baking.
• Basil leaves should be added after baking to keep their color and aroma fresh.
• Want a spicier twist? Add a light sprinkle of chili flakes or peri peri before serving.
• If short on time, you can use store-bought pizza bases and just focus on the sauce and toppings.
• For a more rustic texture, replace ¼ cup of flour with semolina (rava) in the dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot slices of Margherita pizza with a side of chili flakes, oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
• Pair with a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or Italian-style tomato cucumber salad for a light contrast.
• Want a full meal? Serve alongside garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, or even soup like minestrone or tomato basil.
• Add a chilled drink like lemon iced tea, mojito, or sparkling water with lime for a complete café-style experience.
• For a fun twist, serve mini slices as party starters or make pizza bites using the same dough and toppings.

💡 Margherita is best served fresh — keep it simple and let the ingredients shine.

Nutrition Information (Estimated):

Nutrient	Per Slice (1 of 8 slices)
Calories	250–270 kcal
Protein	10–12 g
Carbohydrates	28–32 g
Sugars	2–3 g
Fat	10–12 g
Saturated Fat	4–5 g
Fiber	1–2 g
Sodium	350–450 mg
Cholesterol	15–20 mg