Margherita Pizza – Classic, Fresh & Absolutely Delicious

Simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor, Margherita Pizza is a timeless classic. With its signature trio of ingredients—fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—this pizza is proof that less truly is more. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection with a thin, crisp crust and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s the perfect homemade slice of Italy.

🛒 Ingredients

1 ball of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes or pizza sauce
6–8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or torn mozzarella ball)
Fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan for garnish

🔄 Substitutions

Mozzarella: Use burrata or fior di latte for a creamier twist
Tomatoes: Swap crushed tomatoes for fresh tomato slices
Dough: Use gluten-free crust or flatbread for a faster option
Basil: Use baby arugula as a garnish if you don’t have basil
Olive oil: Infused garlic oil or chili oil adds extra flavor

👨‍🍳 How to Make

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat
On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to desired size and thickness
Transfer dough to parchment paper
Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border
Add mozzarella slices evenly on top
Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt
Bake on the hot stone or baking sheet for 10–12 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly and slightly browned
Top with fresh basil leaves right after baking
Slice and serve immediately while hot and melty

🧄 Mix-ins & Add-ons (optional)

Sliced cherry tomatoes for extra juiciness
Garlic oil brushed on crust
Drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking
Fresh oregano or thyme
A touch of chili flakes for gentle heat

✅ Recipe Tips

Use high-moisture mozzarella and tear it into pieces for better melt and flavor distribution
Let your dough come to room temp before stretching to avoid tearing
Preheat your baking surface—it makes all the difference for a crispy crust
Add basil after baking to keep it fresh and vibrant

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked slices for up to 1 month
Reheat: Use a skillet or toaster oven to revive the crust and melt the cheese

🌀 Recipe Variations

Pesto Margherita: Swirl pesto into the tomato sauce for a herby upgrade
Caprese Style: Add fresh tomato slices and a drizzle of balsamic after baking
Mini Margheritas: Use naan or pita bread for personal pizzas
Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat dough for a fiber boost

❓ FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella?
You can, but fresh mozzarella gives the most authentic Margherita experience

Is Margherita pizza vegetarian?
Yes! It contains no meat and uses basic plant-based ingredients

Can I grill this pizza?
Absolutely—grill the dough first, flip it, then add toppings and close the lid until melty

How do I keep the pizza from getting soggy?
Use a light layer of sauce and pat the mozzarella dry if it’s very wet

This Margherita Pizza is a celebration of simple ingredients and bold flavor. With its crisp crust, melted cheese, and garden-fresh basil, it’s pizza perfection that never goes out of style.