Margherita Pizza
Margherita Pizza is a timeless Italian classic featuring a crispy yet chewy pizza crust topped with a bright, smooth San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Celebrated for its simplicity and authentic flavors, this pizza delivers a perfect balance of taste and texture that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- Fresh pizza dough (enough for one 12-inch pizza)
Tomato Sauce
- 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- Pinch of sea salt
Toppings
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into medium pieces
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Start with your fresh pizza dough. Stretch or roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness—traditionally thin but with a bit of a sturdy edge for the crust.
- Make the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges. Season lightly with sea salt for balance.
- Add the Cheese: Slice fresh mozzarella into medium-sized pieces and distribute them evenly on top of the tomato sauce so every bite includes some creamy goodness.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pizza on a stone or baking tray preheated to around 475°F (245°C). Bake for 8 to 12 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Add Fresh Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature mozzarella and dough for even melting and easy stretching.
- Preheat pizza stone or baking tray to achieve a crispy crust like a professional oven.
- Do not overload toppings to avoid sogginess and ensure quick cooking.
- Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its vibrant color and aroma.
- Invest in high-quality extra virgin olive oil as it finishes the pizza beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Margherita Pizza, Italian Pizza, Fresh Basil Pizza, Classic Pizza, Easy Pizza Recipe
Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/margherita-pizza/