Nothing beats the unique flavor of a truly great homemade pizza—it's in a league of its own compared to store-bought frozen or vacuum-packed versions.
The best ones I've had rival those from top Italian restaurants, but dining out isn't always budget-friendly.
That's why I've honed this simple Pizza Margherita recipe: fresh, easy to make at home, and costing less than €1 per person. It's pizzeria-worthy every time.
Ingredients for 4 people
- 30 g baker's yeast: €9.52 per kilo, i.e. €0.29
- 800 g flour: €0.95 per kilo, i.e. €0.76
- 35 ml olive oil
- 400 ml water
- 15 g fine salt
Total dough cost: €0.26 per person or €1.04 for 4 people.
Prep time: 20 min - Resting time: at least 2 hours
1. Dissolve the yeast in 400 ml lukewarm water.
2. Sift the flour and salt onto a work surface to prevent lumps, then make a well in the center.
3. Add the olive oil and yeasted water to the well. Gradually incorporate the flour using a fork.
4. Knead the dough in a bowl or on a board until smooth.
5. Let it rise until doubled in size.
6. Shape into a ball, roll out on floured parchment paper to about 30 cm diameter.
7. Let rest for at least 2 hours.
Your dough is now ready to top!
With the dough ready, it's time to layer on those classic Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients for 4 people
- 6 tomatoes (about 600 g): €1.45 per kilo, i.e. €0.87
- 2 balls mozzarella (250 g): €5.76 per kilo, i.e. €1.44
- 1 onion (about 100 g): €1.85 per kilo, i.e. €0.19
- Olive oil, salt & pepper
Total topping cost: €0.62 per person or €2.48 for 4 people.
Prep time: 15 min - Cooking: 15 min
1. Preheat oven to 210°C.
2. Peel and finely chop the onion; sauté in a drizzle of olive oil until softened.
3. Wash, peel, and dice the tomatoes. Add to the pan with onions over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Cook until tomato juices evaporate. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
5. Drain and slice the mozzarella into cubes or strips.
6. Spread sauce on dough, add mozzarella, and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake 15 minutes until cheese melts and crust is golden. Watch closely.
Serve with a fresh green salad!
Dough: €0.26 per person or €1.04 for 4.
Toppings: €0.62 per person or €2.48 for 4.
Total: €0.88 per person or €3.52 for 4—delicious, homemade perfection!
Skip store-bought tomato sauce—fresh tomatoes deliver unbeatable flavor.
Pre-made dough is convenient, but homemade yields that perfect crispy-yet-soft crust. The key to pizzeria-quality pizza? Always choose fresh ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
Finish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan for an authentic touch.
