Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

Introduction

Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella is the definition of Italian simplicity at its finest. With just a few high-quality ingredients—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a crisp pizza crust—this dish captures the essence of Naples, the birthplace of pizza. Named after Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 1800s, the pizza represents the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil).

Unlike heavily loaded pizzas, Margherita pizza celebrates balance: the slight char of the crust, the brightness of tomato sauce, the richness of cheese, and the freshness of basil. It’s rustic, elegant, and universally loved.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s all about letting the ingredients shine. There’s nothing overly complicated here—no long list of toppings—just pure, honest flavors. The first bite of crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic basil is comfort and sophistication rolled into one.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a family pizza night, or even entertaining guests. I also love how customizable it is—you can make it on a pizza stone, in a cast-iron skillet, or even on the grill, and it always delivers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

• It’s authentic: Straight from Neapolitan tradition, honoring Italian culinary history.
• It’s easy: Only a handful of ingredients and simple steps.
• It’s crowd-pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
• It’s healthier than most pizzas: Light toppings make it fresh and not overly heavy.

Margherita pizza is proof that sometimes, less truly is more.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour for dough rising, if making from scratch)
• Cooking Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes (or 1 hr 35 minutes with dough)
• Servings: 2–3 (makes one 12-inch pizza)
• Calories per Serving: ~300–350 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course / Lunch / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Dough (or use store-bought)

• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3/4 cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano or fresh crushed tomatoes)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn into pieces)
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make or roll out pizza dough.
2. Spread tomato sauce evenly.
3. Add mozzarella slices.
4. Bake until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
5. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with olive oil before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the dough

• Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
• Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.

Step 2: Preheat oven

• Preheat to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.

Step 3: Shape the dough

• On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle.
• Transfer to parchment paper for easy sliding into oven.

Step 4: Add toppings

• Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border.
• Add mozzarella slices or torn pieces.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt.

Step 5: Bake

• Slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet.
• Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Finish and serve

• Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil.
• Slice and serve hot.

How to Serve

• Serve sliced into wedges with extra fresh basil on the side.
• Pair with a green salad and a glass of Italian red wine.
• For casual dining, enjoy straight from the pizza stone or baking tray.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mozzarella for authentic texture and flavor.
• Preheating the pizza stone/baking sheet ensures a crisp crust.
• If tomatoes are watery, drain them before making sauce to avoid soggy pizza.
• Tear basil leaves rather than cutting them for better flavor release.

Variations

• Extra Cheesy: Add Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
• Garlic Lovers: Rub the crust with a cut garlic clove before baking.
• Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour for a rustic crust.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer (uncooked dough): Freeze dough up to 3 months; thaw overnight before using.
• Freezer (cooked pizza): Freeze slices for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven, not microwave.

Special Equipment Needed

• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper (for easy transfer)
• Pizza cutter or sharp knife

Conclusion

Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella is a timeless classic that proves simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With its crispy crust, melted mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and fragrant basil, this pizza is both rustic and elegant.

Whether for a quick weeknight meal, a fun family pizza night, or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers authentic Italian flavor with minimal effort. Once you make it at home, it will become a staple in your kitchen.

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Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 35 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 350 kcal

Description

Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella is the definition of Italian simplicity at its finest. With just a few high-quality ingredients—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a crisp pizza crust—this dish captures the essence of Naples, the birthplace of pizza.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Dough (or use store-bought)

• 2 ¹⁄₄ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ³⁄₄ cup warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Toppings

• ¹⁄₂ cup tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano or fresh crushed tomatoes)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or torn into pieces)
• 6 fresh 6–8 basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the dough : Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes). Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour until doubled.
2. Step 2: Preheat oven : Preheat to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
3. Step 3: Shape the dough : On a floured surface, roll dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper for easy sliding into oven.
4. Step 4: Add toppings : Spread tomato sauce evenly, leaving a small border. Add mozzarella slices or torn pieces. Sprinkle lightly with salt.
5. Step 5: Bake : Slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake 12–15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
6. Step 6: Finish and serve : Remove from oven, top with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with olive oil. Slice and serve hot.

Keywords: Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and Mozzarella