Best Margherita Pizza Recipe

Margherita Pizza is a beautiful, simple, and flavor-packed dish that’s beloved around the world.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Margherita Pizza

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Servings pizza

Calories 1603kcal

Author Dana DeVolk

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

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.