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Best Homemade Margherita Pizza Without a Pizza Oven

Make the best homemade Margherita pizza without a pizza oven using simple ingredients and a regular kitchen oven. This easy pizza recipe gives you a crispy golden crust, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a fresh restaurant-style pizza at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pizza Dough
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup warm water
For the Toppings
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 200 g fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan optional
Optional Toppings
  • Red chili flakes
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Garlic-infused olive oil

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a soft homemade pizza dough forms.
  2. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Preheat your regular oven at the highest temperature possible. Place a baking tray or pizza pan inside the oven while preheating to help create a crispy pizza crust.
  4. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently stretch it into a pizza shape.
  5. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough and top with sliced fresh mozzarella cheese.
  6. Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot tray and bake until the homemade Margherita pizza develops a crispy golden crust and the cheese becomes melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, parmesan, chili flakes, or black pepper if desired.
  8. Slice and serve hot.

Notes

  • Pat the fresh mozzarella dry before using to avoid excess moisture.
  • Baking on the lower oven rack helps create a crispier homemade pizza crust.
  • Avoid overloading the pizza with too much sauce or cheese.
  • Add fresh basil after baking for the best flavor.