Backyard Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

Made with a homemade dough inspired by The Fresh Cooky

There’s something about homemade pizza enjoyed outdoors that feels like summer in its purest form. This margherita-style pizza was baked until bubbly and golden with pockets of fresh mozzarella, sweet roasted tomatoes, and generous handfuls of basil scattered over the top. The crust turned out crisp on the edges with just the right chewy center — the kind of pizza that disappears almost as quickly as it comes off the peel.

We used our favorite homemade pizza dough recipe as the base and topped it simply to let the fresh ingredients shine. This is the kind of meal that feels both rustic and special at the same time — perfect for a slow evening on the patio, family pizza night, or gathering friends around the table.

Backyard Margherita Pizza Recipe

For the Pizza Dough

(Inspired by The Fresh Cooky pizza dough recipe)

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose or bread flour

• 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 ¼ cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until a soft dough forms.

3. Knead for about 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.

5. Preheat oven or pizza oven as hot as possible (500°F if using a standard oven).

6. Stretch dough gently into a pizza round on a floured surface.

Pizza Toppings

Ingredients

• ½ cup pizza sauce

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• Fresh basil, chopped or torn

• Olive oil for drizzling

• Optional: garlic, parmesan, red pepper flakes

Assemble & Bake

1. Spread pizza sauce over prepared dough.

2. Add mozzarella pieces evenly across the pizza.

3. Scatter cherry tomatoes over the top.

4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

5. Bake for 10–14 minutes until crust is blistered and cheese is bubbly.

6. Remove from oven and immediately top with fresh basil.

7. Slice and enjoy warm outdoors if possible.

Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

• Use bread flour for a chewier crust

• Pat fresh mozzarella dry before using

• Preheat your pizza stone or pan well

• Don’t overload the toppings

• Add basil after baking for fresh flavor and color