Introduction:
Welcome to this homemade Margherita pizza recipe, where we'll guide you through crafting a mouthwatering pizza just like they make it in Italy. Simple yet delicious, the Margherita pizza is a classic that highlights the flavours of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

For the pizza dough:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1 packet of active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the toppings:
- 1 ½ cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   - In a small bowl, mix lukewarm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
   - Mix the ingredients with a fork, then use your hands to knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
   - Form the dough into a ball, place it back into the bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.



2. Preheat the oven:
   - Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat up.

3. Roll out the dough:
   - Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface.
   - Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle or your desired thickness.

4. Assemble the pizza:
   - Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment paper-lined pizza peel or another inverted baking sheet.
   - Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the dough, spreading it evenly with a brush.
   - Evenly spread the crushed tomatoes over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
   - Lay the slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the tomatoes.

5. Bake the pizza:
   - Slide the parchment paper and pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven.
   - Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

6. Add finishing touches:
   - While the pizza bakes, combine the minced garlic with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl.
   - Once the pizza is out of the oven, drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the hot pizza.
   - Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pizza.
   - Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

7. Serve and enjoy:
   - Slice the Margherita pizza into wedges and serve it hot.
   - Savor the authentic flavours of Italy in every bite!

Note: Feel free to customize your Margherita pizza with additional toppings like olives, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of spice