Margherita Pizza Recipe

The Margherita Pizza Recipe is a great choice for a homemade gourmet pizza, featuring tasty tomato, basil, and cheese flavors that are easy to prepare for cooks of all skill levels.

For more homemade pizza ideas, consider trying our Chicken Pesto Pizza or Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread Pizza.

**Recipe Details**
The homemade pizza dough in this Margherita Pizza recipe enhances its flavor, making it a dish you’ll want to recreate often.

– **TASTE:** A classic combo of sweet tomatoes, rich mozzarella, and earthy basil.
– **TEXTURE:** Crisp crust with a bit of chewiness, complemented by gooey mozzarella and thick sauce.
– **TIME:** 40 minutes to prepare.
– **EASE:** Even first-time pizza makers can successfully follow this recipe.

**What You’ll Need**

– **Homemade pizza dough**
– **Tomato Basil Sauce**
– **Mozzarella**
– **Tomatoes**
– **Basil**

**Ingredient Notes**

– For the pizza dough, you can use any dough recipe.
– Fresh basil is a key ingredient, avoid using dried herbs.
– Fresh sliced mozzarella works best as a topping.

**Add-ins and Substitutions**

– You can experiment with different sauces or add meats like chicken, beef, or pepperoni.
– Fresh garlic can add extra flavor.
– If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought dough.

**How to Make Margherita Pizza**

1. **Bake the dough:** Spread the dough on a pizza pan, poke it with a fork, and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes.
2. **Add sauce and shredded cheese:** Spread tomato basil sauce and mozzarella on the dough.
3. **Add tomatoes and mozzarella slices:** Layer the mozzarella and tomatoes, then bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes.
4. **Top with basil:** Once out of the oven, garnish with basil leaves and Parmesan cheese.

*Pro Tip:* Save the basil leaves for last to keep them fresh and flavorful.

**Recipe Tips**

– Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
– Use block mozzarella for better melting.
– Poke holes in the dough before baking to ensure a crispy crust.
– Add basil leaves at the end to preserve their flavor and appearance.

**FAQs**

– **What makes a Margherita pizza different:** It only uses fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag (red, white, green).Tomato Sauce or Tomato Paste for Pizza?

For pizza, it’s recommended to use tomato sauce that is on the thicker side to avoid making the crust soggy. Tomato paste is also a suitable option as it is already concentrated and thick.

Serving Suggestions

This simple and delicious homemade Margherita Pizza goes well with a variety of dishes. It can be served alongside pasta, salads, dips, and finger foods.

• Pasta: This pizza complements pasta dishes such as Pesto Gnocchi, Chicken Alfredo Lasagna, Pasta Pomodoro, and Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta (VIDEO).
• Salad: Pair it with an Antipasto Salad, Caprese Salad, Spinach Salad, or Tomato Garlic Salad.
• Dips: Enjoy this Margherita Pizza with Crab Artichoke Dip, 7 Layer Taco Dip, Hot Artichoke Dip, or Easy BLT Dip.
• Finger foods: If serving this pizza as part of a buffet, consider adding BBQ Chicken Wings, Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (VIDEO), or Copycat Pizza Hut Breadsticks.

Prepare in Advance

Make ahead: To save time on a busy weeknight, you can prepare the dough in advance and freeze it. Simply thaw the dough, add toppings, and bake.

Storing: To store the Margherita Pizza, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Use parchment paper or foil between layers to prevent sticking.

Freeze: You can freeze the pizza by wrapping it in foil and plastic wrap or placing it in a freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

More Delicious Pizza Options!

• Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe
• Chicken Pesto Pizza
• Mushroom Arugula Flatbread Pizza
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread Pizza

Complete Recipe Instructions

Margherita Pizza Recipe

This Margherita Pizza Recipe is an ideal homemade gourmet pizza that is full of delicious tomato, basil, and cheesy goodness but simple to prepare for even a novice cook. 

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Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian Prep Time:
10 minutes
minutes
Cook Time:

30 minutes
minutes
Total Time:

40 minutes
minutes
Servings:

1
(12 inch) pizza
Calories:

184
kcal
Author:
Dina

Ingredients

• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  recipe
  Homemade pizza dough
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  3/4
  cup
  basilico sauce
  tomato basil sauce
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  1
  cup
  shredded mozzarella
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  8
  oz
  sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  2
  large tomatoes
  or 3 small
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  10
  large basil leaves

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• For this Margherita Pizza recipe, start by spreading the dough onto a pizza pan and poking it with a fork. Then bake the dough at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Next, spread tomato basil sauce and shredded mozzarella on top of the partially cooked dough. Add a layer of sliced mozzarella and tomatoes, then bake at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes. Finally, add basil leaves after removing the pizza from the oven or in the last few minutes of baking.

  **Notes:**
  – **Use San Marzano tomatoes:** These tomatoes are the best choice for homemade Margherita Pizza due to their rich and sweet flavor.
  – **Use block mozzarella:** Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient but doesn’t melt as well due to the starch coating.
  – **Poke the pizza dough with a fork:** Aerate the crust to allow steam to escape for a crisp bottom.
  – **Add the basil at the end:** Preserve the flavor and color of the basil leaves by adding them after baking to prevent wilting.

  **Nutrition:**
  – **Calories:** 184 kcal
  – **Carbohydrates:** 15.2 g
  – **Protein:** 14.9 g
  – **Fat:** 8.8 g
  – **Saturated Fat:** 4.8 g
  – **Cholesterol:** 34 mg
  – **Sodium:** 585 mg
  – **Fiber:** 2.1 g
  – **Sugar:** 4.4 g

  *This recipe was originally shared on July 8, 2016, with some adjustments made since then.*