Homemade Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian favorite that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients. With its crisp crust, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves, it’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves authentic pizza flavors. This traditional Neapolitan-style pizza is easy to prepare in your own kitchen, and it delivers a restaurant-quality result without complicated steps. Whether you’re using store-bought dough or making your own, this recipe guarantees a deliciously golden crust and perfectly melted cheese every time.
This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or even weekend cooking projects. It’s straightforward, requires only a handful of ingredients, and gives you complete control over quality and flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has become one of the most loved pizzas worldwide.
Why You’ll Love This Pizza
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil come together to create the authentic taste of Italy.
- Quick and Easy – With ready-made dough, you can have this pizza on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Adjust the thickness of the crust, add more cheese, or drizzle with extra olive oil for your personal touch.
- Healthier Option – Since you’re making it at home, you control the ingredients and can choose high-quality, fresh produce without unnecessary additives.
- Perfect for Sharing – This recipe makes a 12–14 inch pizza, great for 2–3 people, but it can easily be doubled for a family meal.
- Authentic Flavor at Home – The balance of tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil is what makes Margherita Pizza timeless, and now you can recreate it without needing a wood-fired oven.
Ingredients Needed
For a truly authentic homemade Margherita Pizza, each ingredient plays an important role in creating that signature Italian flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Pizza Dough (1 piece, 12–14 inches) – You can use store-bought dough for convenience or make it from scratch. A good dough is the foundation of a crisp yet chewy crust.
- Tomato Sauce (½ cup) – Choose a simple, high-quality sauce. A homemade version using San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil works beautifully.
- Fresh Mozzarella (1 ½ cups, sliced or torn) – Fresh mozzarella melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Ripe Tomatoes (1–2, thinly sliced) – Fresh tomato slices enhance the flavor and add a juicy element. Roma tomatoes or cherry tomatoes are excellent choices.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (8–10 leaves) – Basil provides a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Always add them after baking for the best taste.
- Olive Oil (1–2 tablespoons, extra virgin) – Drizzling olive oil before baking adds depth and helps crisp the edges of the crust.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – A light seasoning brings out the natural flavors without overpowering the ingredients.
Optional: Brush the edges of the dough with a mix of olive oil and garlic before baking for a flavorful crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect Margherita Pizza:
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you own a pizza stone, place it inside while preheating to ensure a crisp crust. If not, a standard baking sheet works well.
- Prepare the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough into a circle about 12–14 inches wide.
- Transfer it carefully onto parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet. This prevents sticking and makes transferring easier.
- Spread the Tomato Sauce
- Evenly spread ½ cup of tomato sauce over the dough. Leave about 1 inch around the edges for the crust. A thin layer of sauce prevents sogginess.
- Add Mozzarella and Tomatoes
- Arrange the mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
- Place the tomato slices on top, spacing them out so each slice of pizza gets a balance of toppings.
- Season and Drizzle Oil
- Lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top for extra richness and to help the cheese brown evenly.
- Bake the Pizza
- Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden and the cheese is bubbling with slight browning on top.
- Finish with Basil
- Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza. Adding basil at this stage preserves its bright color and fresh aroma.
- Slice and Serve
- Allow the pizza to cool for 2–3 minutes before cutting.
- Slice into even portions and serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Pat mozzarella dry with a paper towel before adding to avoid excess moisture.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce for authentic Italian flavor.
- Brush the crust edges with olive oil and minced garlic before baking for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
The Best Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe
Description
This Homemade Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian recipe featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil leaves, and a golden crisp crust. It’s easy to make at home, requires just a few ingredients, and delivers authentic flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, weeknights, or when you’re craving restaurant-quality pizza at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone inside if available.
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Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12–14 inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper or a greased baking sheet.
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Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch for the crust border.
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Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce, then add tomato slices.
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Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then drizzle with olive oil.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
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Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pizza.
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Let cool for 2–3 minutes, slice, and serve warm.
