Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza

Make classic margherita pizza at home with this simple recipe! This Neapolitan pizza is fresh, delicious and easy to make. Recipe yields 2 medium (11-inch diameter) pizzas.

Ingredients

  • batch easy whole wheat pizza dough or 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
    1
  • can whole san marzano tomatoes

    28 ounces

    1 large
  • ovoline-type mozzarella or other fresh mozzarella balls

    ideally water-packed, dry weight

    12 oz
  • handful of fresh basil

    thinly sliced plus small leaves

  • additional garnishes: drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

    flaky sea salt or kosher salt and optional red pepper flakes

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the upper third of the oven. If you’re using a baking stone or baking steel, place it on the upper rack. Prepare dough through step 5.

  2. 2

    Place a medium mixing bowl in the sink and pour the canned tomatoes into the bowl, juices and all. Crush the tomatoes by hand. Spread about ¾ cup of the tomato sauce evenly over each pizza, leaving about 1 inch bare around the edges.

  3. 3

    If your mozzarella is packed in water, drain off the water and gently pat the mozzarella dry on a clean tea towel or paper towels. If you’re working with large mozzarella balls, tear them into smaller 1-inch balls. Distribute the mozzarella over the pizza, concentrating it a bit more in the center of the pizza, as it will melt toward the edges.

  4. 4

    Bake pizzas individually on the top rack until the crust is golden and the cheese is just turning golden, about 10 to 12 minutes (or significantly less, if you’re using a baking stone/steel—keep an eye on it).

  5. 5

    Top each pizza generously with fresh basil, followed by a light back-and-forth drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkling of salt, and red pepper flakes, if you wish. Slice and enjoy. Leftover pizza will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza

353 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving the authentic taste of Italy without leaving your kitchen? This simple recipe brings the classic Margherita Pizza experience right to your home, promising a fresh, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s easier to make than you think.

What makes this pizza truly special is its dedication to quality ingredients, making a seemingly simple dish extraordinary. We lean into the Neapolitan tradition, focusing on the vibrant flavors of whole San Marzano tomatoes and delicate fresh mozzarella balls. The straightforward approach ensures that even novice pizza makers can achieve a truly delicious result.

Prepare for a delightful sensory experience. You'll savor the bright, slightly sweet tang of premium tomatoes, perfectly complemented by the creamy, milky texture of melting mozzarella. Each bite is balanced with the aromatic freshness of basil, making for a pizza that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe yields two medium 11-inch pizzas, perfect for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering as a main dish.

Customization is a breeze with this classic. While fresh basil is key, you can always experiment with additional garnishes like a drizzle of good extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. For a touch of warmth, add optional red pepper flakes. For convenience, feel free to use a pound of store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own whole wheat version.

This classic Margherita is ideal for a relaxed weeknight dinner or a fun weekend activity with friends. Pair it with a simple green salad to complete your Italian-inspired feast.

Frequently Asked Questions