Margherita New York-style Pizza

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Step 2: Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Step 3: Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Step 4: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 550°F (290°C) with a pizza stone inside.
6. Step 6: Punch down the dough and shape it into a circle or rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
7. Step 7: Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper or a lightly floured pizza peel.
8. Step 8: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
9. Step 9: Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
10. Step 10: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the pizza.
11. Step 11: Top with fresh basil leaves.
12. Step 12: Slide the parchment paper or pizza peel onto the preheated stone and bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.