Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Pizza Margherita is the definition of simplicity done right. With just a handful of high-quality ingredients, this classic Italian pizza proves that less truly is more. Crisp yet tender dough, bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in perfect balance. I first made this pizza after realizing that great pizza does not need heavy toppings to be satisfying. When each element is prepared with care, the result is incredibly flavorful and deeply comforting. This recipe focuses on traditional techniques that highlight the natural taste of the ingredients rather than masking them. It is ideal for pizza nights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a homemade pizza that feels both rustic and refined. Once you master this recipe, it becomes a foundation you can always rely on, delivering authentic flavor and timeless appeal straight from your own oven.
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Authentic Pizza Margherita: The Purest Expression of Italian Pizza
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 pizzas
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
An authentic Italian Pizza Margherita made with a thin, airy crust, simple tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, showcasing classic Neapolitan flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose or Italian 00 flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup San Marzano crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil; mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours until doubled.
- Preheat oven to 260°C (500°F) with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside.
- Divide dough in half and stretch each portion into a thin round.
- Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes over the dough.
- Top with fresh mozzarella slices.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until crust is blistered and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, add fresh basil, drizzle with olive oil, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overload with sauce or cheese.
- Use fresh mozzarella for authentic flavor.
- High heat is key for proper crust texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Pizza flour or all-purpose flour forms the structure of the dough. A finely milled flour creates a soft, elastic dough with a light, airy crust.
Water hydrates the flour and activates gluten development, which is essential for a chewy yet tender texture.
Yeast allows the dough to rise slowly, developing flavor and creating a light crust with characteristic air pockets.
Salt strengthens the dough structure and enhances overall flavor without overpowering it.
Olive oil adds subtle richness and improves dough handling while contributing to flavor.
Tomatoes are the base of the sauce. Crushed or blended tomatoes provide freshness and gentle acidity without heavy seasoning.
Fresh mozzarella delivers creaminess and a mild dairy flavor that melts beautifully without dominating the pizza.
Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal finish that defines the Margherita experience.
Extra virgin olive oil, drizzled lightly before or after baking, enhances aroma and richness.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing the dough. Dissolve the yeast in water and allow it to activate briefly. Add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let rise until doubled in size.
Once risen, divide the dough into portions and shape gently into balls. Allow them to rest so the gluten relaxes, making stretching easier.
Preheat the oven to its highest temperature, ideally with a pizza stone or steel inside to retain heat.
Prepare the sauce by crushing the tomatoes and seasoning lightly with salt. Avoid cooking the sauce to preserve freshness.
Stretch the dough into a thin round, leaving a slightly thicker edge for the crust. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the base. Add torn pieces of mozzarella evenly across the surface.
Bake until the crust is puffed and lightly charred in spots and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove from the oven and immediately add fresh basil leaves. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 medium pizzas, serving 2 to 4 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, rising time approximately 2 hours, and baking time 6 to 8 minutes per pizza depending on oven temperature.
Storage/reheating
Pizza Margherita is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one day and reheated in a hot oven or skillet to restore crispness.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe stays true to tradition, small adjustments can be made without losing authenticity. If fresh mozzarella releases too much moisture, lightly drain it before using. I tested this step and found it significantly improved the crust texture.
You can experiment with flour types. A mix of all-purpose and bread flour adds chewiness, while Italian-style flour produces a softer crust.
For home ovens that do not reach very high temperatures, preheating longer and using a baking steel helps mimic traditional results. Avoid adding extra toppings, as they weigh down the dough and mask the simplicity that defines Pizza Margherita.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Authentic Pizza Margherita is a balanced dish made from simple ingredients. It provides carbohydrates from the dough, protein and calcium from the cheese, and antioxidants from tomatoes. Moderation keeps it part of a wholesome diet.
Expert Tips & Customizations
High Heat Baking
Bake at the highest possible temperature for the best crust texture.
Light Sauce Layer
Use a thin layer of sauce to avoid sogginess.
Gentle Dough Handling
Preserve air bubbles by stretching rather than rolling the dough.
FAQs
What makes Pizza Margherita authentic?
Its simplicity and use of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, but homemade dough offers superior texture and flavor.
Why not cook the sauce?
Fresh tomatoes preserve brightness and authenticity.
What mozzarella is best?
Fresh mozzarella provides the most traditional result.
Can I bake this without a pizza stone?
Yes, use a preheated heavy baking tray instead.
Is this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate it overnight for deeper flavor.
Why is my pizza soggy?
Too much sauce or wet mozzarella is usually the cause.
Can I add parmesan?
Traditionally it is omitted, but a small amount is acceptable.
How thin should the dough be?
Thin in the center with a slightly thicker edge.
Conclusion
Authentic Pizza Margherita is a timeless recipe that celebrates quality ingredients and simple technique. Crisp, fresh, and beautifully balanced, it is the perfect example of how traditional Italian cooking turns simplicity into something extraordinary.
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