Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian pizza made with fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, basil leaves, and a crispy homemade crust. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe brings authentic Italian taste to your table.
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
- Add the fresh mozzarella cheese slices.
- Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.
- Slice the pizza and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g
Tips for the Best Marguerita Pizza
Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for the best flavor. Bake the pizza in a fully preheated oven to achieve a crispy crust. Avoid adding too much sauce to keep the base from becoming soggy.
Storage
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven or an air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Margherita pizza keeps things simple with tomato, mozzarella, basil, and a crisp pizza base. Because there are only a few main toppings, using good-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the finished pizza.
Ingredient Notes
- Drain fresh mozzarella well so excess moisture does not make the crust soggy.
- Use a light layer of tomato sauce rather than covering the dough too heavily.
- Add fresh basil near the end of baking or immediately after the pizza comes out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a small bowl of extra tomato sauce. A drizzle of olive oil can be added just before serving.
Easy Variations
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes.
- Use a little garlic-infused olive oil on the crust.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy finish.
Helpful Recipe Notes
Kitchen Note
Drain fresh mozzarella before adding it to the pizza so excess moisture does not soften the center of the crust.
Best Tip
A very hot oven and fully preheated baking surface help create the best crust at home.
Ingredient Swap
Cherry tomatoes or a small amount of garlic can be added while keeping the pizza simple and fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes. Store-bought dough is a great option and saves time.
Can I add more toppings?
Yes. You can add mushrooms, olives, peppers, onions, grilled chicken, or pepperoni.
Can I freeze Margherita Pizza?
Yes. Wrap the slices individually and freeze them for up to one month.
