Few dishes in the world embody the heart and soul of Italian cooking like the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients—tomato, mozzarella, basil, and dough—this timeless pizza delivers bold flavors, a rustic charm, and a satisfying bite that has delighted food lovers for generations.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to master the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe from scratch. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress your dinner guests, this article will give you all the knowledge, tips, and techniques to achieve a perfect pie.
What Makes the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe So Special?
The Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe is revered not just for its simplicity but for its symbolism. Named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy during a royal visit to Naples in 1889, this pizza features the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). But beyond its national pride, it’s the balance of flavors and textures that make it unforgettable.
The combination of a crisp, chewy crust, sweet and tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something magical.
Ingredients for the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe
To achieve authentic results, quality is everything. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose or 00 flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup San Marzano crushed tomatoes (or high-quality canned tomatoes)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (preferably buffalo mozzarella or fior di latte)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
The foundation of any great pizza is a great crust.
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Tip: If you have time, refrigerate the dough overnight for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
The sauce in the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe should be bright and fresh.
- Use whole San Marzano tomatoes and crush them by hand.
- Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil—no need to cook it.
- Keep it simple to let the tomatoes’ natural sweetness shine.
Step 3: Preheat Your Oven
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas are cooked in ovens that reach over 800°F, but you can still get great results with a home oven.
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature (ideally 500°F or higher).
- Place a pizza stone or steel in the oven while it heats. This mimics the effect of a pizza oven and gives you a crispier base.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Divide the dough into two equal pieces for two 12-inch pizzas.
- Gently shape one piece into a round by stretching and pressing with your fingers.
- Avoid using a rolling pin—it pushes out air bubbles and flattens the dough too much.
Tip: A well-shaped crust will have a slightly thicker edge to hold the toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
Now the fun part—bringing your Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe to life.
- Transfer your stretched dough onto a floured pizza peel or parchment paper.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly across the dough.
- Tear the mozzarella into pieces and scatter them across the pizza.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Slide your pizza onto the hot stone or steel.
- Bake for 7–10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
- Watch closely—the high temperature cooks the pizza fast!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
After removing the pizza from the oven:
- Add a few more fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Give it one final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve.
You’ve just created a perfect Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe from scratch—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, with layers of balanced, clean flavors.
Tips for Pizza Night Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The simpler the dish, the more important each component becomes.
- Don’t Overload the Pizza: Stick to modest amounts of sauce and cheese for the perfect bake.
- Mind the Moisture: Fresh mozzarella can release a lot of water—pat it dry before adding.
- Experiment with Fermentation: Letting your dough rise in the fridge for 24–48 hours will develop better flavor and structure.
- Preheat Long Enough: Make sure your oven and stone/steel are thoroughly heated—this is essential for a crisp base.
The Nutritional Side of a Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe
While pizza often gets a bad rap nutritionally, a Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe made at home can be part of a balanced diet.
One 12-inch pizza contains approximately:
- Calories: 900–1,100 (depending on ingredients)
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbohydrates: 100–120g
- Fat: 30–40g
Using whole wheat flour or reducing cheese slightly can make the recipe lighter, and opting for part-skim mozzarella can also help reduce fat content.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
The beauty of the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe is how well it pairs with simple sides and beverages:
- Side Salad: A crisp arugula or Caesar salad adds freshness.
- Wine Pairing: Try a Chianti or Pinot Noir for a balanced pairing.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or Italian soda works well too.
Why Make the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe at Home?
Making your own pizza might seem like a challenge at first, but it’s a deeply satisfying experience. When you make a Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe from scratch, you get to:
- Control the quality of ingredients
- Customize the dough and toppings to your liking
- Avoid preservatives and additives
- Impress your family and friends
Plus, it’s fun! Whether you cook solo or with others, the process is as enjoyable as the end result.
Final Thoughts: Classic Doesn’t Mean Complicated
There’s a reason the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe has stood the test of time. With its clean flavors, beautiful presentation, and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that never goes out of style. By following the steps above, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this Italian masterpiece right from your kitchen.
So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and experience why the Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe continues to be a favorite across the globe.