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Margherita Pizza is a beautiful, simple, and flavor-packed dish that’s beloved around the world.
There’s something about the combination of fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese in this Margherita Pizza that just makes your taste buds do a happy dance!
It’s a delicious meal that proves sometimes the simplest foods are the best. We’re talking simple ingredients. No fancy tricks necessary!
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating homemade pizza that tastes like it came straight from a charming Italian pizzeria, you’re in luck.
With a good pizza dough, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and some high-quality pizza sauce, you can make your own incredible pizza right in your home kitchen.
Plus, when you make your own pizza, you can control every detail. Yeah, I’m a control freak when it comes to my food. Ha!
This margherita pizza is a super good choice for those who love fresh ingredients and bright flavors. The perfect family food for any night of the week.
So, let’s get rolling, stretching, and topping that dough for a Margherita pizza that’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Some of our other favorite PIZZA RECIPES we have on our site include: Buffalo Chicken Pizza, BBQ Chicken English Muffin Pizza, and Easy Pizza Sliders Recipe (Pepperoni & Sausage).
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE MARGHERITA PIZZA:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT IS A MARGHERITA PIZZA?
- CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT INGREDIENTS INSTEAD?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Best Margherita Pizza Recipe
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Simple and Fresh Flavors: Using fresh basil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a good pizza sauce creates a flavor combination that’s both refreshing and comforting.
- Easy to Make at Home: With a basic pizza dough, a hot oven, and some simple toppings, you can create a homemade pizza that rivals restaurant quality.
- Versatile and Customizable: Even though pizza Margherita is a classic cheese pizza variety, you can add other toppings or adapt the flavors to suit your preferences.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Pizza sauce
- Fresh mozzarella slices
- Fresh basil leaves
HOW TO MAKE MARGHERITA PIZZA:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Place the pizza dough on a floured piece of parchment paper on a pizza tray.
- Press the dough out until it’s stretched to the edges of the tray, with a slight ridge on the edges.
- Brush the pizza dough with olive oil.
- Spoon the pizza sauce onto the pizza crust and, using the back of the spoon, spread it out thinly over the crust.
- Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.
- Bake in the oven for about 12-13 minutes.
- After you take out the pizza, wait a few minutes before sprinkling with the basil or it will cause the basil leaves to turn black.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT IS A MARGHERITA PIZZA?
It is a classic Italian pizza topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and a simple red sauce made from tomato sauce or San Marzano tomato sauce.
It’s known for its bright colors—green basil, white cheese, and red tomatoes—which represent the Italian flag.
It’s a simple yet incredible pizza that highlights the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.
CAN I USE STORE-BOUGHT INGREDIENTS INSTEAD?
Absolutely! While making your own homemade pizza dough and sauce can give you best results, you can definitely use store-bought sauce, marinara sauce, or even a basic red sauce from the grocery store.
You can also pick up pizza dough from your local bakery.
Using store-bought items can save time and still result in a delicious meal.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Bring it on! The following ingredients are Dana-approved to keep with the awesome flavors of this pizza. Haha!
- Red peppers: Add thinly sliced red peppers for extra color.
- Kalamata olives: Sprinkle some olives for a salty bite.
- Red onions: Paper-thin red onions for a hint of sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese: Grate a little parmesan for a nutty flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes: Cut cherry tomatoes in half for bursts of flavor.
- Green peppers: Add a few slices for crunch.
- Feta cheese: Crumble some feta for a tangy kick.
- Hot cherry peppers: Add spice if you love heat.
- Balsamic reduction: A drizzle on top for a sweet-tangy finish.
- Truffle oil: A light drizzle for a gourmet twist.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Let me know in the comments if you think of anything else!
- Marinara sauce instead of traditional pizza sauce.
- Provolone cheese or buffalo mozzarella if you prefer different cheese flavors.
- Canned tomatoes or homemade tomato sauce in place of a jarred pizza sauce.
- Gluten-free pizza dough if you need a gluten-free option.
- Vegan cheese instead of mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
- Whole wheat flour in the dough for extra fiber.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Place leftover slices in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to regain a crispy crust.
Freezer: Wrap leftover pizza slices tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag.
They can keep for up to 2 months.
Thaw and reheat for a quick meal another day.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Stone: Preheat it in the oven for a crisp, golden brown crust.
- Lightly Flour Your Work Surface: A floured work surface makes shaping the pizza dough easier.
- Fresh Garlic: Rub a clove of fresh garlic on the crust before adding toppings for extra flavor.
- High Heat is Key: Bake at a high temperature (around 500°F) for a perfect crisp crust and melted cheese.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Keep it simple for the authentic margherita flavor.
- Taste Test: Always take a moment to taste a small spoonful of sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
This Margherita Pizza is a perfect choice for anyone who loves fresh ingredients and simple, satisfying flavors.
It’s an easy recipe that brings the taste of Italy right into your home.
Whether you use homemade dough or store-bought shortcuts, you’ll create a pizza that lights up your taste buds and makes any night feel special.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Best Margherita Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough (half recipe)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- Place the pizza dough on a floured piece of parchment paper on a pizza tray.1 pizza dough
- Press the dough out until it’s stretched to the edges of the tray, with a slight ridge on the edges.
- Brush the pizza dough with olive oil.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Spoon the pizza sauce onto the pizza crust and, using the back of the spoon, spread it out thinly over the crust.2 tablespoons pizza sauce
- Arrange the mozzarella slices on top.6 ounces fresh mozzarella
- Bake in the oven for about 12-13 minutes.
- After you take out the pizza, wait a few minutes before sprinkling with the basil or it will cause the basil leaves to turn black.fresh basil leaves
Notes
- Use a Pizza Stone or Baking Stone: Preheat it in the oven for a crisp, golden brown crust.
- Lightly Flour Your Work Surface: A floured work surface makes shaping the pizza dough easier.
- Fresh Garlic: Rub a clove of fresh garlic on the crust before adding toppings for extra flavor.
- High Heat is Key: Bake at a high temperature (around 500°F) for a perfect crisp crust and melted cheese.
- Don’t Overload Toppings: Keep it simple for the authentic margherita flavor.
- Taste Test: Always take a moment to taste a small spoonful of sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
Nutrition
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