Print

Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza
Print Recipe

Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian dish renowned for its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and vibrant flavors. This quick and easy recipe combines a crispy yet chewy pizza dough base with tangy tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Perfect for busy days or casual dinners, this pizza is delicious, customizable, and visually appealing with its traditional red, white, and green colors.

Ingredients

Base

  • Pizza Dough – enough for one 12-inch pizza (store-bought or homemade)

Sauce

  • Tomato Sauce – 1/2 cup fresh or pre-made

Toppings

  • Fresh Mozzarella – 8 ounces, sliced
  • Fresh Basil Leaves – 10-12 leaves
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons, for drizzling
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black Pepper – to taste
  • Optional Garlic – 1 clove minced or infused in oil for extra zing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start with either your homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness, ideally around 1/4 inch for the perfect balance between crispy and tender.
  2. Add Tomato Sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of fresh or pre-made tomato sauce over the dough. Keep it light to avoid sogginess but generous enough to cover every inch, giving you that tangy, rich base.
  3. Layer the Fresh Mozzarella: Slice fresh mozzarella and distribute it evenly across the sauce. The cheese will melt into creamy pockets of deliciousness as the pizza bakes.
  4. Bake Until Golden: Place the pizza in a preheated oven at 475°F (245°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  5. Garnish with Fresh Basil and Olive Oil: Right after taking the pizza out of the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves and drizzle high-quality extra-virgin olive oil on top. This final touch brings out those fresh, bright flavors Margherita Pizza is famous for.

Notes

  • Preheat your oven to a high temperature to ensure a crispy crust and perfect cheese melt.
  • Pat basil leaves dry before adding to avoid wilted leaves and soggy spots.
  • Use fresh, high-quality tomatoes and mozzarella for the best flavor.
  • Avoid using too much sauce to prevent soggy crust.
  • Using a pizza stone or baking steel helps create a restaurant-quality crust by evenly distributing heat.
  • Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in a hot skillet or oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep the crust crisp instead of using a microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Margherita pizza, quick pizza recipe, Italian pizza, fresh mozzarella pizza, easy pizza, classic pizza

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/margherita-pizza/