How to Make the Perfect Classic Margherita Pizza
Italian · Medium · 35 min · 4 servings
A traditional Neapolitan-style pizza topped with crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil on a crisp homemade dough. Simple quality ingredients make this a timeless favorite.
Why this recipe works
This Classic Margherita Pizza recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb store-bought or homemade pizza dough
- 0.75 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp dried oregano
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Place a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F for at least 30 minutes. A very hot oven is essential for a crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes with the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and dried oregano. Stir to combine and set aside. Do not cook the sauce as it will cook on the pizza.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll the pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper. Work gently and do not use a rolling pin if you want an airy crust.
Step 4: Top the Pizza
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough leaving a 1-inch border. Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices over the sauce. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Slide the pizza on its parchment onto the hot stone or pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh mozzarella → low-moisture shredded mozzarella for a less wet result
- San Marzano tomatoes → any good quality crushed tomatoes
- store-bought dough → flatbread or naan for a quick shortcut
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not preheating the oven and stone long enough which results in a pale and doughy crust
- Adding too much sauce which makes the center of the pizza soggy
- Adding fresh basil before baking which causes it to burn and turn black
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 18g protein, 52g carbs, 16g fat, 3g fiber.
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