Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
  2. Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thinness. If you're using a pizza stone, transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper for easier handling.
  3. Brush the dough with olive oil, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the edges.
  4. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border for the crust.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  6. Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the cheese.
  7. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the tomatoes.
  8. Transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper if using a pizza stone) onto a baking sheet or heated pizza stone.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  10. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle with dried oregano if desired.
  11. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Gluten-free crust using alternative flours like almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat crust for added nutritional value
  • Thin and crispy crust for a different texture
  • Cauliflower crust for a low-carb alternative
  • Vegetarian option by omitting any meat toppings
  • Additional toppings like sliced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms
  • Spicy variation by adding sliced jalapenos or red pepper flakes
  • Using different cheese varieties such as feta, goat cheese, or cheddar
  • Create a Margherita-inspired flatbread by using naan or pita bread as the base
  • Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto sauce as a finishing touch

Recipe overview

Get ready to transport your kitchen to the heart of Italy with this classic Margherita Pizza recipe. This timeless favorite is a simple yet flavorful dish, featuring a combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese atop a perfectly baked crust. With its origins in Naples, Margherita Pizza has won over the hearts of pizza lovers worldwide with its unassuming charm and delightful flavors. In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare this iconic pizza at home, whether for a cozy dinner, a family get-together, or a pizza party with friends. Expect a heavenly crunch from the crust, a savory touch from the sauce, and a beautiful blend of melted cheese and fresh herbs. A bite of this pizza is a pure joy to the taste buds - every time.

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe.
  2. Can I make my own pizza dough? Absolutely! You can make your own pizza dough using your favorite recipe or follow a basic pizza dough recipe online.
  3. Do I need a pizza stone to make this recipe? While a pizza stone can help achieve a crispy crust, it is not necessary. You can still bake the pizza on a baking sheet.
  4. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like fresh buffalo mozzarella or a blend of cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack.
  5. Can I add additional toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Margherita pizza with additional toppings like sliced onions, olives, or mushrooms.
  6. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil? While fresh basil leaves provide the best flavor, you can use dried basil as a substitute. However, the taste and texture will be slightly different.
  7. How long does the pizza need to bake? The pizza should bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  8. Can I reheat leftover Margherita pizza? Yes, you can reheat leftover pizza in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - Used for baking the pizza in the oven.
  • Pizza stone - Can be used instead of a baking sheet to achieve a crispier crust.
  • Parchment paper - Helps with transferring the pizza onto the baking sheet or pizza stone.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the pizza dough to the desired thickness.
  • Pizza cutter - Essential for cutting the pizza into slices.
  • Spatula - Useful for transferring the pizza slices from the baking sheet or pizza stone to a plate.
  • Oven mitts - Protect your hands when handling the hot baking sheet or pizza stone.

Origin stories

Margherita pizza hails from Naples, the pizza capital of Italy. Legend has it, the pizza was born in 1889 to honor the visiting Queen Margherita of Italy. Renowned pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito crafted this pizza with toppings of tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil to represent the red, white, and green of the Italian flag. Though the story is regarded more as a charming tale than historical fact, it underscores the pride and cultural significance of pizza in Italy. Truly, the Margherita pizza is not just a culinary delight but also a piece of Italy's rich and vibrant history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.