The Perfect Homemade Margherita Pizza

Craving the best Margherita Pizza? My homemade recipe delivers a bubbly crust, tangy sauce & fresh flavors. Easy enough for any home cook! Try it today.

May 20, 2025
By Marcus O’Neill.

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Alright, let's dive into the world of homemade margherita pizza . ever wondered if you could nail that perfect pizza crust at home? i sure did! and guess what? it's totally doable.

We're talking about creating a symphony of simple flavors. this is the classic that everyone loves.

Simple Pizza, Big Flavor: Why This Margherita Pizza Recipe Rocks

The margherita pizza originated in naples. it was created to honor queen margherita of savoy. the colors—red, white, and green—represent the italian flag.

Isn't that cool? this pizza margherita is easier than you think. it's a medium difficulty recipe.

This margherita pizza recipe takes about 1 hour and 38 minutes to 2 hours and 38 minutes, including proofing time.

This recipe makes two 12-inch pizzas. it's perfect for a casual dinner or a pizza party. plus, you can even try this in pizza oven recipes

The Secret Ingredient: A Homemade Pizza Sauce that Sings

One of the main benefits of making your own pizza is control. you control the ingredients! the pizza sauce homemade recipe is the key.

Skip the sugary stuff from the store. using good quality tomatoes is essential. think san marzano, my friend. oh my gosh, fresh basil on top is like a burst of sunshine! if you like it you can also make homemade pizza using a pizza flatbread .

Making your own best homemade pizza is a special treat. it’s perfect for a friday night in. maybe pair it with an easy tiramisu recipe for dessert? honestly, it is a really simple tiramisu recipe.

This margarita pizza is special because of its simplicity. you get to taste every single ingredient. you can even experiment with different pizza topping options.

It's a blank canvas for your pizza dreams! now, let's grab those ingredients and get cooking! are you ready to bake some pizza pies ?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make homemade pizza , particularly a killer margherita! honestly, it's all about the quality.

Good ingredients? great pizza. simple as that. i’ve made so many pizza pies , and trust me, skimping never pays off.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Margherita Masterpiece

Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need. It is very crucial to Make Homemade Pizza using the exact measurements to get consistent quality.

Main Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: 375g (about 3 cups), plus extra for dusting. Look for unbleached.
• Instant dry yeast: 7g (about 2 ¼ teaspoons). Freshness matters. If it's old, it might not rise properly.
• Salt: 10g (about 1 ¾ teaspoons).
• Warm water: 250ml (about 1 cup + 1 tablespoon), 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot kills the yeast, too cold, and it won't activate. I've messed this up more times than I care to admit.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, plus extra for greasing the bowl.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: 400g (14 ounces). San Marzano are the gold standard, but any good quality ones will do.
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Fresh is best. That aroma? Chef's kiss.
• Fresh mozzarella: 225g (8 ounces), sliced or torn into pieces. The star of the show! The Pizza Topping .
• Fresh basil leaves: About 1 cup. Gotta have that fresh basil for the Pizza Margherita .

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk flavor! We need essential spice combinations.

• Essential spice combinations: Dried oregano (½ teaspoon), salt, and black pepper (to taste) for the sauce.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic, duh! But also consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
• Quick substitution options: If you're out of oregano, Italian seasoning works in a pinch. You know?

Equipment Needed

For making Best Homemade Pizza you need right equipment. The good news is, you likely have most of it already.

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pizza stone or baking sheet
• Pizza peel (optional, but highly recommended). Seriously, get one. Makes life SO much easier.
• Oven

For common household alternatives: a cast iron skillet can stand in for a pizza stone. parchment paper works if you don't have a peel.

It's possible to make homemade pizza if you are creative. speaking of baking sheets, for pizza oven recipes using a pizza stone is highly preferable.

Ready to learn how to make a Margherita Pizza ?

We are going to make a great homemade margherita pizza . or maybe even an amazing margarita pizza . as a dessert, you can find an easy tiramisu recipe if you are looking for other pizza ideas .

Okay, let's talk pizza! seriously, who doesn't love pizza? today we're diving headfirst into the world of homemade margherita pizza .

I'm going to share my go-to margherita pizza recipe , because let's be real, sometimes you just need a simple, classic pizza done right.

The Perfect Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe Card

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:10 Mins

Servings:2 (12-inch) pizzas

Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: 375g (about 3 cups), plus extra for dusting
• Instant dry yeast: 7g (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
• Salt: 10g (about 1 ¾ teaspoons)
• Warm water: 250ml (about 1 cup + 1 tablespoon), 105-115°F (40-46°C)
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, plus extra for greasing the bowl
• Canned crushed tomatoes: 400g (14 ounces), good quality, like San Marzano
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Black pepper: To taste
• Fresh mozzarella: 225g (8 ounces), sliced or torn into pieces
• Fresh basil leaves: About 1 cup
• Olive oil: Extra virgin, for drizzling (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese: For Sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
• Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (1-2 hours or longer).
• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Let cool slightly.
• Place pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
• Preheat oven to the highest temperature possible (500-550°F / 260-290°C).
• Divide the dough in half.
• On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch circle.
• Lightly dust the pizza peel with flour or cornmeal (if using a pizza peel).
• Carefully transfer the shaped dough to the peel (or directly onto the baking sheet).
• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border.
• Arrange mozzarella slices or pieces on top of the sauce.
• Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
• Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove the pizza from the oven.
• Top with fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil (optional).
• Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Slice and serve immediately.

Margherita Pizza: The Simple Slice of Perfection

I truly think the beauty of a pizza margherita lies in its simplicity. it is like you can close your eyes and picture yourself in a small pizzeria in naples.

With just a few key ingredients, you can create magic in your own kitchen. forget complicated pizza ideas ; this is all about fresh flavors and a perfectly crispy crust.

My first time making it? oh my gosh, it was a disaster! the dough was too sticky, the sauce was bland.

.. but hey, we learn from our mistakes, right? this recipe is foolproof - trust me!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Pizza

Getting organized is key. this is the essential mise en place . chop that garlic, slice the mozzarella, and have your basil ready.

It is a real game changer ! measure out all your ingredients before you start. honestly, it saves so much time and stress.

Plus, make sure your work surface is clean, especially when dealing with raw dough!

Make Homemade Pizza: Step-by-Step

1. Dough Time: Combine 375g flour, 7g yeast, and 10g salt in a bowl.
2. Mix it Up: Add 250ml warm water ( 105- 115° F ) and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead Away: Knead for 8- 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Rise and Shine: Place in a greased bowl. Let rise for 1- 2 hours until doubled.
5. Sauce It: Simmer 400g crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced 1 garlic clove, and ½ teaspoon oregano for 15- 20 minutes .
6. Heat it Up: Preheat your oven to its highest setting ( 500- 550° F ) with a pizza stone.
7. Top it Off: Stretch dough, add sauce, 225g mozzarella, and bake for 8- 12 minutes .
8. Basil Blast: Top with fresh basil.

Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Pizza

• Hot Oven: The key to a crispy crust is a really hot oven. Be patient while preheating!
• Fresh is Best: Use high-quality ingredients, especially fresh mozzarella and basil. It makes a difference!
• Don't Overload: Resist the urge to pile on the toppings. Less is more for Margherita Pizza .
• Make Ahead: The dough can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge.

Honestly, making homemade margherita pizza shouldn't be intimidating. with a bit of practice, you'll be cranking out restaurant-quality pizza pies in no time.

It's definitely way better than any frozen pizza roll you can buy. so go ahead, give it a shot and whip up a batch of pizza sauce homemade .

You might even want to fire up that pizza oven recipes book you got last year!. and hey, if you're feeling adventurous afterwards, maybe try your hand at an easy tiramisu recipe for dessert! enjoy!

Alright, let's dive into some helpful recipe notes for your homemade margherita pizza journey! making the best homemade pizza is all about the details.

I have made and enjoyed countless margherita pizza recipe pies. here's some wisdom i've gleaned!

Plating & Pairing: More Than Just a Pizza Margherita

Forget boring plates! Elevate your Margherita Pizza experience. A wooden board adds rustic charm. I like to use a pizza peel for serving. Presentation matters, you know?

For sides, think simple. a light green salad is perfect. it cuts through the richness of the cheese. a glass of chilled italian white wine ? bellissima ! want something sweet? easy tiramisu recipe can be the star after a pizza night.

Storage Savvy: Keeping the Pizza Ideas Alive

Got leftover pizza pies ? rare, i know! but life happens. keep it in the fridge. store your margherita pizza in an airtight container.

It’ll last 2-3 days. reheat in a skillet or oven for the best results. skip the microwave if possible, soggy crust, bummer!

Freezing? i don’t recommend freezing a whole pizza, the toppings tend to get watery. instead, consider freezing the dough after the first rise.

Thaw it out and you’re ready to make homemade pizza again!

Adapt & Conquer: Variations on a Theme

Want to shake things up? Go wild! Try a Pizza Flatbread . Use a whole wheat crust for extra fiber. Add roasted veggies. A few Pizza Topping variations is all you need.

Need a dairy-free margarita pizza ? no sweat! use vegan mozzarella. loads of brands are pretty good now. craving spice? add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Or how about swapping basil for fresh arugula? i think it can be great!

Nutrition Nuggets: Fueling Your Pizza Roll Passion

Let's be real. margherita pizza isn't a health food. but it can be part of a balanced diet! each slice gives you protein and carbs.

The tomatoes provide vitamins. did you know that tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases?

Focus on using quality ingredients. this way you'll get the most nutritional value. portion control is key. enjoy your homemade margherita pizza , and don't stress too much about the calories! the experience matters too.

So, there you have it! a few extra tips to help you create the perfect pizza. don't be afraid to experiment with your pizza sauce homemade or even try new pizza oven recipes .

And always remember, practice makes perfect homemade margherita pizza ! now get out there and start baking!