Prepare the Pizza Dough:
a. In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
b. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
c. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
d. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
Preheat the Oven:
a. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
Roll Out the Dough:
a. Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half for two pizzas. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Assemble the Pizza:
a. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a pizza peel or an inverted baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
b. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
c. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
d. Arrange tomato slices on top and add fresh basil leaves.
e. If desired, add additional toppings like pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms.
Bake the Pizza:
a. If using a pizza stone, carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone in the oven. If not using a stone, place the pizza directly on a baking sheet.
b. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy:
a. Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.