There’s something magical about the simplicity of a perfectly crafted Margherita pizza. With its vibrant red tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves, this classic Italian dish represents the colors of the Italian flag while delivering an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to Naples. This ultimate homemade Margherita pizza recipe will help you create restaurant-quality pizza right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Margherita pizza recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Unlike complicated recipes that require dozens of ingredients, this classic focuses on just a few high-quality components that work in perfect harmony. The homemade pizza sauce bursts with aromatic herbs, while the combination of mozzarella and parmesan creates a rich, creamy base that complements the fresh Roma tomatoes and basil beautifully.
The recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced home chefs. You’ll love how the buttery crust becomes golden and crispy, while the cheese melts into bubbly perfection. Plus, making pizza at home allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful result possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pizza Ingredients
- 1 Pizza Crust (I like Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough)
- 1 ¾ cup (about 8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, cut into thin round slices
- 10 Large Basil Leaves
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce (recipe below)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp marjoram
- ¼ tsp salt
How to Make Homemade Margherita Pizza
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato paste, olive oil, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt to the mixture.
- Stir thoroughly until all herbs are evenly distributed. Set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the pizza base.
Prepare the Pizza:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- If using frozen pizza dough, thaw according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough, including the edges.
- Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the buttered dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange the Roma tomato slices on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly across the pizza.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
Bake the Pizza:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots.
- Remove from oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Helpful Tips
Dough Handling: If your pizza dough keeps shrinking back while rolling, let it rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape.
Cheese Selection: For the best melting results, shred your own mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Fresh mozzarella can also be used, but pat it dry first to prevent excess moisture.
Sauce Consistency: The pizza sauce should be thick enough to spread easily but not so thick that it clumps. If it’s too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until you reach the right consistency.
Basil Timing: Always add fresh basil after baking to preserve its bright color and fresh flavor. Adding it before baking will cause it to wilt and turn dark.
Even Cooking: For the crispiest crust, pre-bake the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings, especially if you prefer a very crispy base.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 slices
Difficulty: Easy
This recipe creates a 12-14 inch pizza that serves 2-3 people as a main course or 4-6 people as an appetizer. The combination of herbs in the sauce creates a complex flavor profile that enhances the simple toppings without overwhelming them.
Notes
The key to authentic Margherita pizza lies in the quality of your ingredients. Use the best tomatoes, cheese, and basil you can find. San Marzano tomatoes make an excellent substitute for Roma tomatoes if you can find them.
If you don’t have all the herbs for the sauce, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, though the homemade blend provides superior flavor depth.
For a more authentic experience, try using tipo 00 flour if making your own dough, as it creates a more tender, chewy texture similar to traditional Neapolitan pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pizza sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The pizza sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they meld together.
What if I don’t have Roma tomatoes?
You can substitute with any good-quality fresh tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes cut in half work well, or you can use regular slicing tomatoes cut into thin slices.
Can I freeze the pizza dough?
Absolutely! Pizza dough freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
How do I know when the pizza is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the cheese should be bubbly with some golden spots. The edges of the crust should sound hollow when tapped.
Can I use different cheeses?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina. However, stick close to the original for the most authentic flavor.
Storage Instructions
Leftover Pizza: Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
Reheating: For best results, reheat pizza in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.
Pizza Sauce: Leftover pizza sauce can be refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. Use it for pasta dishes or other pizza recipes.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious homemade pizza and Italian-inspired recipes? Check out these favorites from Run of Life:
- Classic Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
- Homemade Pizza Dough from Scratch
- Italian Herb Focaccia Bread
- Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella
- Homemade Marinara Sauce
Conclusion
This ultimate homemade Margherita pizza recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. With just a handful of quality ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a pizza that rivals your favorite pizzeria. The combination of the herb-infused sauce, perfectly melted cheeses, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates a symphony of flavors that celebrates the essence of Italian cooking.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving authentic Italian flavors, this Margherita pizza delivers every time. The recipe is flexible enough to accommodate your preferences while maintaining the classic character that makes this pizza a timeless favorite.
So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to create pizza magic in your own kitchen. Once you taste the difference that homemade makes, you’ll never want to order delivery again!