Margarita Pizza

Margarita Pizza

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When you think of classic Italian pizza, Margarita Pizza likely comes to mind. With its thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it represents everything a pizza should be—simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. This iconic dish dates back to Naples and was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy in the 19th century. Today, it remains a staple in pizzerias and home kitchens alike.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make authentic Margarita Pizza from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients and smart cooking techniques. Whether you’re using a pizza stone, baking sheet, or pizza oven, this guide covers it all.

Margarita Pizza

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  1. Authentic Flavor – The combination of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is unbeatable.

  2. Simple Ingredients – You don’t need fancy toppings to make something extraordinary.

  3. Crispy and Chewy Crust – Learn how to achieve the ideal Neapolitan-style base.

  4. Perfect for Any Occasion – From family dinners to parties, Margarita Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients List

For the Pizza Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (around 110°F)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 ½ cups canned San Marzano tomatoes (or any good-quality peeled tomatoes)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • Salt to taste

  • A pinch of sugar (optional)

For the Toppings:

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (preferably buffalo or whole milk)

  • Fresh basil leaves (about 10–12)

  • Olive oil for drizzling

  • Sea salt for finishing

  • Optional: red pepper flakes or Parmesan for garnish

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 90 minutes (includes dough rise)

  • Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

  • Total Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

  • Servings: Makes 2–3 medium pizzas (serves 4–6)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Margarita Pizza

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a dough begins to form.

  3. Knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook until smooth and elastic.

  4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.

  2. Add crushed tomatoes and a pinch of salt (plus sugar if needed).

  3. Simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally.

  4. Let it cool to room temperature before using.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

  • Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can handle (usually 475°F–500°F).

  • If using a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven while preheating to mimic a traditional pizza oven.

Step 4: Shape the Pizza

  1. Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and divide into 2–3 equal balls.

  2. Roll or stretch each ball into a thin, round shape (about 10–12 inches).

  3. Place the dough on parchment paper or a floured pizza peel if using a stone.

Step 5: Assemble the Pizza

  1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the crust.

  2. Tear the mozzarella into chunks and distribute evenly.

  3. Add fresh basil leaves—either now or after baking for better color.

  4. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil.

Step 6: Bake

  • Transfer to the oven (onto a baking sheet or hot stone/steel).

  • Bake for 8–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle a bit of sea salt, drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with more fresh basil if desired.

  • Slice and serve hot.

Margarita Pizza

Tips for the Best Margarita Pizza

Use High-Quality Ingredients

With so few components, each ingredient should shine. Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil are essential.

Don’t Overload the Pizza

Less is more. Spreading too much sauce or cheese can lead to a soggy crust.

Let the Dough Rest

Resting helps develop gluten, making it easier to stretch and resulting in a better crust texture.

Variations to Try

Add a Twist of Garlic or Chili

For added depth, sprinkle minced garlic or chili flakes before baking.

Try Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Dough

You can substitute part of the flour with whole wheat, or use a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.

Add Balsamic Glaze

A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking adds a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve Margarita Pizza with a side salad like arugula and lemon vinaigrette.

  • A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water complements the flavors perfectly.

  • Make it a pizza night with family and let everyone add their twist.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezing: Wrap cooked slices in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F until warmed through—this keeps the crust crisp.

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping. The sauce can also be made 2–3 days in advance.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice)

  • Calories: 220

  • Fat: 10g

  • Carbohydrates: 25g

  • Protein: 8g

  • Fiber: 2g

History of Margarita Pizza

Originating in Naples, Margarita Pizza was created in 1889 by pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. It was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy and symbolizes the Italian flag—red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Today, it’s a celebrated symbol of Italian culinary culture.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? Fresh basil is strongly recommended for authentic flavor and aroma. Dried basil won’t deliver the same result.

2. Can I use store-bought pizza dough? Yes! While homemade dough is best, high-quality store-bought dough is a great shortcut.

3. What’s the difference between Margarita and Margherita Pizza? They’re the same pizza. “Margherita” is the correct Italian spelling, while “Margarita” is a common Anglicized version.

4. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? Use minimal sauce, preheat your oven well, and bake on a hot stone or steel if possible.

5. Is Margarita Pizza vegetarian? Yes, it’s naturally vegetarian as long as the mozzarella used is free from animal rennet.

Conclusion

Margarita Pizza is proof that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. With a crisp base, zesty sauce, gooey cheese, and fresh basil, every bite transports you to the heart of Italy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this recipe will impress with its authenticity and flavor.

If you’ve never tried making pizza from scratch, this is the perfect place to start. And once you do, you may never go back to delivery again.