Ekani Ella Craving an authentic, crisp, and cheesy pizza at home? This Margherita Pizza recipe brings together a golden crust, fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant tomato sauce in a simple yet flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or a homemade pizza night.
What is Margherita Pizza?
Margherita Pizza is a traditional Italian pizza made with minimal yet high-quality ingredients: a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Its colors—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, and it’s beloved for its fresh taste and balanced simplicity.
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Why You’ll Love This Margherita Pizza
- Authentic flavor – Made with classic Italian ingredients.
- Crispy and chewy crust – Perfectly baked every time.
- Quick preparation – Ready in about 30 minutes with store-bought dough.
- Customizable – Add your twist without losing its charm.
- Great for all ages – A universally loved recipe.
Ingredients for Margherita Pizza
For the dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
For the toppings:
- ½ cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of oregano or chili flakes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven (preheated to 220°C / 425°F)
- Pizza stone or baking tray
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
Instructions to Prepare Margherita Pizza
1. Prepare the pizza dough (skip if using store-bought)
Combine flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
2. Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone or tray inside to heat up.
3. Roll out the dough
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10–12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper if needed.
4. Add sauce
Spread tomato passata or pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Add minced garlic if using.
5. Add cheese and basil
Tear mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the pizza. Add a few basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
6. Bake the pizza
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot tray or stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven, add a few fresh basil leaves, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve hot.
What to Serve with Margherita Pizza
- Garlic bread – A classic pizzeria side.
- Caprese salad – Light and fresh tomato-mozzarella salad.
- Chili oil or flakes – For a spicy kick.
- Roasted vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, or mushrooms pair well.
- Sparkling lemonade or soda – A Refreshing drink for balance.
Expert Tips for Margherita Pizza
- Use high-quality mozzarella – Buffalo mozzarella works beautifully.
- Don’t overload the toppings – Simplicity is key.
- Hot oven = crispy crust – Preheat thoroughly.
- Add basil after baking if you want it fresh and vibrant.
- Brush crust with olive oil for a golden finish.
Variations of Margherita Pizza
- Whole wheat base – For a healthier twist.
- Add cherry tomatoes – For extra sweetness and texture.
- Try smoked mozzarella – Adds a bold, earthy flavor.
- Use pesto instead of tomato sauce – A herbaceous variation.
- Gluten-free crust – Use a GF base for dietary needs.
How to Store Leftover Margherita Pizza
- Let the pizza cool completely before storing.
- Wrap slices individually in foil or place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How Do I Reheat Margherita Pizza?
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet on medium, place a pizza slice, cover with a lid, and heat for 2–3 minutes.
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake slices on a tray for 5–7 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a cup of water beside the pizza to reduce sogginess, and microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Nutritional Value (per serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Sugar: 2g
FAQs
How do I stop Margherita pizza from being soggy?
Use minimal sauce, pat mozzarella dry before adding, and bake at a high temperature on a preheated stone or tray to get a crisp crust.
What’s the best type of mozzarella for Margherita pizza?
Buffalo mozzarella or fresh mozzarella gives the best texture and flavor. Drain excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well. Let it rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before rolling out.
Should basil go on pizza before or after baking?
Add some before baking for flavor and a few fresh leaves after baking for a vibrant finish.
Print
Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Margherita Pizza is a traditional Italian pizza made with minimal yet high-quality ingredients: a thin crust, tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Its colors—red, white, and green—represent the Italian flag, and it’s beloved for its fresh taste and balanced simplicity.
Ingredients
For the dough (or use store-bought pizza dough):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
For the toppings:
- ½ cup tomato passata or pizza sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
- A few fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional: pinch of oregano or chili flakes
Instructions
Combine flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. Knead for 8–10 minutes, then cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Set your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place a pizza stone or tray inside to heat up.
On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10–12 inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper if needed.
Spread tomato passata or pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Add minced garlic if using.
Tear mozzarella into pieces and scatter over the pizza. Add a few basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
Carefully transfer the pizza onto the hot tray or stone. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from oven, add a few fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve hot.
