This Margherita Pizza, with its crispy crust and creamy fresh mozzarella, is a true celebration of simple yet vibrant flavors. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the tomato sauce, and the fresh basil leaves add an aromatic finish. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory, fresh, and light elements.
Perfect for any occasion, this pizza is both a crowd-pleaser and an easy weeknight dinner. Its straightforward ingredients allow the flavors to shine through, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or a casual pizza party with friends, Margherita Pizza is always a hit.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
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1/2 cup tomato sauce
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1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
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1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
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Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
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Transfer the rolled dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
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Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
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Layer the fresh mozzarella slices evenly on top of the sauce.
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Drizzle olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
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Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
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Slice and serve immediately!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
What is Pizza Margherita?
Pizza Margherita is a true representation of Italian culinary simplicity. With its vibrant red tomato sauce, creamy white mozzarella, and fresh green basil leaves, it is a dish that highlights the best of Italian flavors. The tri-color toppings not only embody the colors of the Italian flag but also showcase the philosophy of Italian cooking—celebrating high-quality, fresh ingredients. This pizza is typically made with a soft, thin crust, San Marzano tomatoes, and cow’s mozzarella (not buffalo mozzarella, which tends to be too watery for pizza). The pizza is then drizzled with olive oil and baked in a wood-fired oven to achieve that perfect crispy crust and melted cheese. However, this homemade version is designed to be quick and easy, making it perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of Italy but doesn’t have access to a wood-fired oven.
Using a Pizza Stone for a Crispy Crust
To achieve the ultimate crispy crust, one of the best tools to use is a pizza stone. A pizza stone mimics the high heat of a wood-fired oven by absorbing and retaining heat, ensuring that the pizza cooks quickly and evenly. It helps to create a crisp, golden crust while ensuring the toppings cook to perfection.
Here’s how you can use a pizza stone at home:
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Preheat your oven: Place the pizza stone in the oven and preheat it at the highest setting (usually between 450°F and 500°F) for about 20 to 30 minutes. This ensures that the stone gets hot enough to cook the pizza quickly and evenly.
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Transfer the pizza onto the stone: When assembling the pizza, use a pizza peel or a sheet of parchment paper to transfer the pizza onto the stone. The parchment paper method is easier and helps prevent the dough from sticking.
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Baking the pizza: Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and crispy. The cooking time will depend on the heat of your oven, but typically 10 minutes at 450°F will give you the perfect crispiness.
If you don’t have a pizza stone, a preheated pizza pan can be a great alternative. Simply heat the pan in the oven before placing the pizza onto it, and you’ll still get a nice, crispy crust.
Ingredients Needed for Pizza Margherita
The beauty of Pizza Margherita lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to make this dish. Here are the essentials:
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Dough: The base of your pizza starts with a simple dough made of warm water, active dry yeast, flour, olive oil, sugar, and salt. It’s important to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and stretchy, allowing it to rise and develop the right texture.
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Tomato Sauce: For an authentic flavor, San Marzano tomatoes are the preferred choice. These tomatoes are sweet and have a rich flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, any high-quality pizza sauce will work.
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Fresh Mozzarella: Always use fresh mozzarella for Pizza Margherita. The mozzarella should be packed in water and torn into chunks. This type of mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the pizza a creamy texture.
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Basil: Fresh basil leaves are the final touch on this pizza. They add a fragrant, peppery flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pizza Margherita
Making homemade Pizza Margherita is straightforward, and once you have your ingredients ready, the process can be completed in about 15 minutes of active work time.
Prepare the Dough:
The first step is to prepare the pizza dough. While making pizza dough might seem complicated, it’s actually quite simple. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until you have a sticky dough. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic. This process is key to developing a good texture for the pizza crust.
Proof the Dough:
Once you’ve kneaded the dough, it’s time to let it rise. Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm environment for about 30 to 45 minutes. The dough should double in size as it ferments and rises. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by placing the dough in a warm oven at 100°F.
Assemble the Pizza:
After the dough has proofed, roll it out into a thin circle on a floured surface. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper and prick the dough a few times with a fork. Then, spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear the fresh mozzarella into chunks and scatter them over the sauce. Finish by drizzling a little olive oil over the top to enhance the flavor and texture.
Bake the Pizza:
Transfer the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone and bake it in a hot oven. Depending on your preference for crust crispiness, bake for about 9 to 11 minutes. If you like a softer crust, reduce the baking time. For a charred top, you can broil the pizza for a few seconds at the end of the baking process.
Serving the Pizza Margherita:
Once the pizza is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh basil leaves. Slice the pizza immediately while it’s still hot, and serve it with a drizzle of olive oil if desired. The simplicity of this pizza makes it the perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering with friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes, you can still make a great pizza without a pizza stone. A pizza pan can be preheated in the oven to achieve a similar effect. Alternatively, you can assemble the pizza directly on the pan and bake it without the stone. It may not be as crispy, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I freeze this pizza before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pizza and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to bake it, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and garnish it with fresh basil before serving.
Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?
While fresh mozzarella is the preferred choice for a Margherita pizza, you can use shredded mozzarella if that’s all you have available. Fresh mozzarella will melt better and give a more authentic flavor and texture, but shredded mozzarella will work in a pinch.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double this recipe to make two pizzas. You can also make a large sheet pan pizza by increasing the ingredients and using a 9×13” pan.
Conclusion
Pizza Margherita is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian cooking—simple, fresh, and flavorful. With this easy homemade version, you don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy the authentic taste of Italy. By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a pizza that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So next time you crave a delicious pizza, skip the takeout and make your own Pizza Margherita at home—it’s easier than you think!