Classic Margherita Pizza

Craving an effortless yet delicious homemade pizza? Look no further than the Classic Margherita Pizza! With its perfectly balanced combination of fresh mozzarella, tangy San Marzano tomato sauce, and fragrant basil leaves, this pizza is a true Italian classic. In just 17 minutes, you’ll have a golden, bubbly masterpiece straight out of your oven. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, the Margherita is always a hit. Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor - this pizza is guaranteed to satisfy every time. Try it and taste the magic!

Ingredients for Classic Margherita Pizza

• Pizza dough ball: The foundation of your pizza, whether homemade for a personal touch or store-bought for convenience, forming the perfect base for your toppings.
• San Marzano tomato sauce: A rich, sweet, and slightly tangy sauce made from high-quality Italian tomatoes, giving your pizza a classic flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: Soft and creamy, this cheese melts beautifully, creating that irresistible gooey texture we all love on pizza.
• Fresh basil leaves: Fragrant and slightly peppery, basil adds a fresh, aromatic burst that perfectly complements the rich cheese and sauce.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Drizzled over the pizza to enhance the flavors with its rich, fruity taste and to give the crust a slight crispiness.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch to elevate and balance all the other ingredients, bringing out the best of every flavor.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried basil if you don't have fresh basil on hand, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor and a vibrant, green look to your pizza, while dried basil has a more concentrated, earthy flavor.

If using dried basil, sprinkle it on the pizza before baking. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more potent, so you’ll only need a small amount - about a teaspoon. However, if possible, fresh basil is ideal for that classic Margherita pizza flavor. You can always add the dried basil during baking and garnish with fresh herbs after for a nice balance!

How do I store leftover pizza?

1. Cool Completely: Allow the pizza to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
2. Refrigerate: Place the pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Separate Layers (Optional): If you’re stacking slices, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
4. Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you won’t eat the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pizza slices for about 10 minutes until heated through and the crust is crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes to reheat the cheese while keeping the crust crispy.
• Microwave: For a quicker option, microwave for 30-60 seconds, but the crust may turn soft.

How to Make Classic Margherita Pizza

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally 250°C (480°F). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If you don't have a pizza stone, place a baking sheet to the oven to preheat.
2. Prepare the Pizza Base: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel.
3. Add the Toppings: Evenly spread the San Marzano tomato sauce over the pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute the sliced mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Scatter the fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.
4. Bake the Pizza: Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 5-7 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
5. Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it sit for a minute before slicing. Serve immediately and enjoy your Easy Margherita Pizza!

Recipe Variations

• Prosciutto & Arugula Pizza: After baking, top the pizza with thinly sliced prosciutto and fresh arugula, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The salty prosciutto and peppery arugula complement the richness of the mozzarella and tomato sauce.
• Mediterranean Margherita: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts along with the fresh mozzarella. This variation introduces tangy, briny elements for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Margherita: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes and a drizzle of chili oil over the pizza before baking. This adds a spicy kick that balances the freshness of the basil and mozzarella.
• Pesto Margherita: Swap the tomato sauce for a thin layer of basil pesto and proceed with the fresh mozzarella and basil. The pesto brings a rich, herby flavor to the pizza.
• Mushroom & Truffle Margherita: Add sautéed mushrooms to the pizza and drizzle with truffle oil after baking. The earthy mushrooms and truffle oil give this version a luxurious touch.
• Burrata Margherita: Replace fresh mozzarella with creamy burrata cheese, added after baking. The burrata adds an extra layer of indulgent creaminess.
• Four-Cheese Margherita: Along with mozzarella, add Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and Fontina cheese for a richer flavor. This variation enhances the pizza with bold, cheesy flavors.
• Caprese Margherita: After baking, top the pizza with fresh cherry tomato halves, slices of fresh mozzarella (or burrata), and more fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor, combining the freshness of a Caprese salad with a pizza.