If you’re searching for a comforting, vibrant dish that tastes just like summer in Italy, look no further than Margherita Pizza. With its golden, crispy crust, gooey fresh mozzarella, sweet-tart tomato sauce, and handfuls of fragrant basil, this classic pizza is a celebration of simplicity and incredible flavors. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next pizza night, Margherita Pizza is the kind of timeless recipe that never fails to deliver on both taste and joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Margherita Pizza keeps it beautifully simple with just a handful of high-quality ingredients. Each element enhances the final result, from the soft, chewy dough to the creamy cheese and fresh basil that pops against the sauce’s tanginess.
- Pizza dough (1 pound, homemade or store-bought): This forms the base of your Margherita Pizza—a good dough means a crispy edge and tender middle.
- Pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes (1/2 cup): Use San Marzano tomatoes for the richest, sweetest flavor or your favorite tangy pizza sauce.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces, sliced): Nothing matches the melt and creaminess of fresh mozzarella for true authenticity.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1-2 tablespoons): A drizzle brings all the flavors together and helps the cheese bubble and brown.
- Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances both the tomatoes and mozzarella, adding balance.
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste): A few cracks over the top add subtle earthy heat.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Sprinkle these after baking for that signature pop of herbal freshness.
- Cornmeal or flour (for dusting): Helps prevent sticking and creates a rustic, crisp bottom crust.
How to Make Margherita Pizza
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Stone
Begin by setting your oven to 500°F (260°C) and placing a pizza stone or sturdy baking sheet inside as it heats. This extra-hot surface is your ticket to that irresistible pizzeria-style crust—crisp on the outside, delightfully chewy inside.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Lightly dust your work surface with flour and gently stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round! This is rustic home cooking, and those uneven edges only add charm (and crunch).
Step 3: Assemble the Margherita Pizza
Transfer your dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet that’s been dusted with cornmeal. Evenly spread the pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes over the surface, leaving about an inch uncovered at the edges for that beautiful border. Artfully arrange the mozzarella slices over the sauce, then drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle on salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Gently slide the uncooked pizza (with parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is a rich golden brown and the cheese is bubbling with little caramelized spots—it’s a glorious sight and scent!
Step 5: Add Basil and Slice
After the Margherita Pizza comes out of the oven, let it cool for a minute so the cheese sets slightly. Then scatter fresh basil leaves generously over the top. The heat will soften the basil just enough to release its aroma. Now, slice it up and enjoy the moment—you’ve just made a classic!
How to Serve Margherita Pizza
Garnishes
For a little visual flair and extra punch of flavor, try finishing your Margherita Pizza with a drizzle of good olive oil, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a generous handful of bright green basil. A light dusting of red pepper flakes is a great choice for those who appreciate subtle heat.
Side Dishes
While Margherita Pizza truly shines on its own, it pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil or a crisp fennel and citrus salad. Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for a meal that transports you straight to the Italian coast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual Margherita Pizza rounds for a party, or cut the pizza into thin strips for an elegant appetizer board. You can even set up a pizza station with bowls of extra toppings and let everyone get creative with their own masterpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you ever have leftovers (which is rare!), let the Margherita Pizza slices cool completely, then wrap them in foil or store in an airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
Want to save pizza for another day? Cool individual slices, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in a freezer bag. The Margherita Pizza will taste freshly baked for up to a month—just allow to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture the pizza’s just-baked magic, place chilled or thawed slices in a hot oven (425°F/220°C) for 5-7 minutes, or heat them in a dry skillet over medium. The crust crisps up beautifully, and the cheese gets melty all over again.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for Margherita Pizza?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough works wonderfully and saves time. Aim for a high-quality fresh dough from a local bakery or your favorite market for the best texture and flavor.
What makes Margherita Pizza different from other pizzas?
Margherita Pizza is all about freshness and simplicity: just dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella, olive oil, and basil. Its flavor is clean and pure, showcasing each high-quality ingredient.
Do I need a pizza stone to bake Margherita Pizza?
No pizza stone? No problem! A heavy baking sheet preheated in the oven mimics the effect pretty well, helping you achieve a satisfyingly crisp crust at home.
Can I add extra toppings?
While purists adore the classic, feel free to experiment—try a few roasted cherry tomatoes, artichokes, or a touch of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for variety. The beauty of homemade pizza is making it your own.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
For rustic, crisp results, bake the Margherita Pizza on a preheated stone or tray, use less sauce than you might think, and let the pizza cool slightly before slicing so the cheese has time to set.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Margherita Pizza is a celebration of simple ingredients and pure joy. There’s something deeply satisfying about crafting this classic in your own kitchen, and it’s sure to win you rave reviews every single time. I can’t wait for you to experience how easy, fun, and utterly delicious this Margherita Pizza is—give it a whirl and taste why it’s a perennial favorite!
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Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a taste of Italy with this classic Margherita pizza recipe. Simple yet flavorful, this pizza features a thin crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, gooey fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or crushed San Marzano tomatoes
Toppings:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Cornmeal or flour for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- Prepare the dough: On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined pizza peel or baking sheet dusted with cornmeal.
- Add sauce and toppings: Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices evenly on top. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully slide the pizza (with the parchment) onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute, then top with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of pizza)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
