The Perfect Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable homemade Margherita pizza brings pure culinary joy to weekend cooking adventures.

Crisp dough becomes the perfect canvas for vibrant ingredients waiting to dance together.

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a classic combination that whispers of italian traditions.

Each carefully assembled slice promises a burst of authentic flavor that connects you directly to naples’ street food culture.

Minimal ingredients allow each component to shine with remarkable simplicity.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike understand the magic of balanced flavors.

Savor every bite and let your kitchen become a celebration of classic italian cuisine.

Reasons to Try This Classic Margherita Pizza

• Craft Authentic Italian Flavor: Enjoy a classic Margherita pizza that transports you straight to Naples with its simple, fresh ingredients and traditional preparation method.
• Quick Weeknight Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up this delicious pizza in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or impromptu dinner gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize your pizza by adding extra toppings, adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, or experimenting with different cheese variations while maintaining the classic Margherita spirit.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a gourmet meal using just a few high-quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella, basil, and extra-virgin olive oil, proving that simplicity can be incredibly delicious.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Margherita Pizza

• Pizza Dough: A soft and stretchy base that creates the foundation for the classic Margherita pizza.

• Tomato Sauce: A bright and tangy sauce that provides a classic Italian flavor to the pizza.

• Fresh Mozzarella: A creamy and soft cheese that melts beautifully and creates a rich, smooth texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A fragrant herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the pizza.

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt: These ingredients enhance the overall flavor and add a subtle richness to the pizza.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: An optional spicy element that provides a subtle heat for those who enjoy a kick.

• Flour, Cornmeal: Used to prevent the pizza dough from sticking and help create a crisp crust.

How to Make Margherita Pizza from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Heat your oven to a blazing 475F (245C).

If you’re using a pizza stone, let it warm up alongside the oven to create the perfect crispy crust.

Step 2: Shape Pizza Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough into a beautiful 12-inch circle.

Work the dough gently to maintain its delicate texture.

Step 3: Transfer Dough

Carefully slide the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet generously dusted with flour or cornmeal to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Apply Tomato Sauce

Spread a vibrant layer of tomato sauce across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges to create a classic pizza look.

Step 5: Add Mozzarella

Scatter fresh mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauce, ensuring each slice will have a perfect cheese pull.

Step 6: Season and Drizzle

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt

Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and sprinkle sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pizza into the hot oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Look for a golden, crispy crust and bubbling, melted cheese.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Basil

Immediately after removing from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of aromatic freshness.

Step 9: Optional Spicy Kick

Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top if you’re craving a little extra heat.

Expert Tips for the Best Margherita Pizza Crust and Toppings

• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking and achieve a thin, even crust that bakes uniformly.
• Preheat a pizza stone for a crispy, restaurant-style bottom that ensures even heat distribution and a crunchier texture.
• Leave a small border around the edges when spreading tomato sauce to prevent a soggy crust and create a beautiful golden rim.
• Distribute fresh mozzarella pieces evenly to guarantee melted cheese in every bite and a visually appealing pizza surface.
• Add basil leaves immediately after baking to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic flavor.

Variations to Refresh Your Margherita Pizza

• Gluten-Free Pizza Delight: Swap traditional wheat flour dough with cauliflower crust or gluten-free pizza dough mix for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Margherita Magic: Replace mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives like cashew mozzarella or vegan mozzarella shreds.
• Mediterranean Herbal Fusion: Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary alongside basil for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Protein Power Pizza: Top with grilled chicken or plant-based protein crumbles for added nutritional value and protein boost.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Margherita Pizza

• Pizza Night Upgrade: Add a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich pizza flavors.
• Fresh Wine Pairing: Select a light Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the margherita's classic taste.
• Appetizer Companion: Serve bruschetta or antipasto platter as a starter to enhance the Italian dining experience.
• Casual Gathering Tip: Cut pizza into smaller squares for easy sharing during game nights or casual get-togethers.

Storage Tips to Preserve Your Margherita Pizza

• Store leftover Margherita pizza in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 375F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and crust crisps. This method restores the pizza's original texture and taste.
• Place pizza slices in a preheated non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover with a lid for 2-3 minutes to help cheese melt and crust regain crispiness. Works great for maintaining pizza's original quality.

FAQs

• What kind of tomato sauce works best for Margherita pizza?

San Marzano tomatoes are ideal because they’re naturally sweet and low in acidity, creating a rich, authentic sauce that complements the mozzarella perfectly.

• Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Yes, homemade pizza dough is simple to prepare with just flour, yeast, water, salt, and olive oil. Alternatively, you can use store-bought dough for convenience.

• How do I prevent my pizza from getting soggy?

Use fresh mozzarella and pat it dry before adding to reduce excess moisture. Spread sauce sparingly and ensure your oven is very hot to create a crispy crust.

Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Homemade margherita pizza brings classic Italian flavors to kitchens worldwide. Simple ingredients like fresh mozzarella, basil, and san marzano tomatoes create a delicious pizza you will savor with each bite.

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Ingredients

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Pizza Ingredients:

• 1 pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• Sea salt (to taste)

Optional Spice:

• Crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 475F (245C), ensuring pizza stone is also preheated for optimal crispy crust.
2. On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch and roll pizza dough into a thin 12-inch circular shape.
3. Carefully slide the stretched dough onto a flour-dusted pizza peel or baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Using the back of a spoon, spread tomato sauce across the dough, maintaining a small naked border around the edges.
5. Artfully scatter fresh mozzarella pieces across the sauce, ensuring even coverage for balanced flavor.
6. Enhance the pizza’s richness by delicately drizzling extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkling sea salt.
7. Transfer pizza into the hot oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the crust turns golden and cheese becomes molten and slightly charred.
8. Immediately after removing from the oven, garnish with vibrant, torn fresh basil leaves for aromatic brightness.
9. Optional: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle, spicy kick.

Notes

• Always use a hot pizza stone or baking sheet to create a crispy, golden crust that mimics authentic Italian pizzerias.
• For a gluten-free version, swap traditional wheat dough with cauliflower or almond flour crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Hand-tear fresh basil leaves just before adding to preserve their vibrant flavor and prevent wilting from heat.
• Experiment with high-quality, San Marzano tomatoes for sauce to elevate the pizza’s authentic taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg