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This classic margherita pizza recipe is everything a great pizza should be—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Made with a thin, chewy crust, rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil, it’s the kind of pizza that proves simple ingredients really are best.
My go-to order at any pizza restaurant is always a margherita—hands down my favorite! So naturally, I had to create a classic margherita pizza recipe that rivals the pies I’ve had in Italy.
If a pizza place can nail a margherita, you know it’s good. It’s the simplest pizza—so every ingredient has to shine. The crust in this recipe is a Neapolitan crust which means that it is thin and chewy. This pizza crust recipe is flawless and the perfect complement to the simple and delicate but bold flavor of a margherita pizza.
This easy homemade margherita pizza is perfect for pizza night and comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients.
What is a Margherita Pizza?
Margherita pizza is a traditional Italian pizza made with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, salt, and olive oil.
Why You’ll Love This Margherita Pizza
- Better than takeout
- Classic, simple ingredients
- Thin, chewy Neapolitan-style crust
- Fresh, bright flavor from basil and tomatoes
- Ready for homemade pizza night
Ingredients for a Margherita Pizza Recipe
This classic margherita pizza uses simple, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Dough:
- Baker’s flour (or 00 flour): essential to getting that chewy crust you want in a pizza, see section below for more details
- Warm water (105–115°F): activates the yeast properly
- Sea Salt: go for fine grain, adds flavor to the crust
- Sugar: feeds the yeast
- Instant Yeast: don’t use active dry yeast
Sauce:
- San Marzano Tomatoes: use whole, crushed, or diced—blend until smooth for the sauce
- Sea Salt: adds flavor to the sauce
Toppings:
- Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty—use slices or torn pieces
- Fresh Basil: adds bright, fresh flavor—leave leaves whole or tear before adding.
- Olive Oil: adds a little extra flavor classic to a margherita
How to Make Margherita Pizza
Making margherita pizza at home is simpler than you might think. With just a few basic steps and quality ingredients, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful pizza ready in no time.
- Prepare the dough and let it come to room temperature.
- Preheat a pizza stone in a 550°F oven.
- Blend the tomato sauce until smooth.
- Stretch the dough into a thin round and place on a floured pizza peel.
- Par-bake the crust for a few minutes, then remove from the oven.
- Add sauce, mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with more fresh basil (if desired), slice, and serve.
Recipe Tip
Don’t overload your pizza with sauce or cheese—keeping toppings light helps the crust stay crisp and cook evenly.
Tools for the Best Pizza
What Flour Is Best for Pizza Dough?
Bread flour or baker’s flour works best for a chewy crust thanks to its higher protein content. You can also use 00 flour for a more traditional Italian texture.
What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?
San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato known for their rich flavor and low acidity, making them ideal for pizza sauce.
How to Reheat Pizza
Reheat pizza in a skillet over medium heat for a crispy crust. Add a few drops of water to the pan and cover to melt the cheese.
If you’re looking for a simple, classic pizza that never disappoints, this margherita pizza recipe is it. With its thin, chewy crust, fresh toppings, and bold flavor, it’s proof that the best pizzas don’t need a long list of ingredients—just the right ones. My favorite pizza ever!
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Watch How This Pizza is Made…
