Classic Margherita Pizza 🍅🍕 Crisp Crust, Bright Tomato, Creamy Mozzarella, and Fresh Basil

The Blueprint for Pizza Done Right

The Classic Margherita Pizza is the origin story of all great pizza — a blistered, chewy crust topped with vibrant tomato sauce, pockets of molten mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves that wilt just right in the heat.

Simple ingredients, serious attention to detail. It’s pizza stripped down to its essentials and executed perfectly.

Ingredients (Makes one 12–14″ pizza)

Dough (or use your preferred recipe)

• 250g (about 2 cups) all-purpose or “00” flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp instant yeast
• 160ml (⅔ cup) lukewarm water
• 1 tsp olive oil

Sauce

• ½ cup canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand or puréed)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or pinch of oregano

Toppings

• 4 oz fresh mozzarella (fior di latte or buffalo), torn into chunks
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Optional: pinch of flaky salt or chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Make or Prep the Dough

1. Combine flour, salt, and yeast in a bowl. Add water and olive oil.
2. Mix until shaggy dough forms. Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise for 1–2 hours (or overnight in fridge for more flavor).
4. Bring dough to room temp before shaping.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

1. Place a pizza stone, steel, or heavy sheet pan in the oven.
2. Preheat to 500°F+ (260°C) for at least 45 minutes.
   • High heat is non-negotiable for proper blister and char.

Step 3: Shape and Top

1. On a floured surface, gently stretch dough into a 12–14″ round. Don’t roll — press and stretch.
2. Transfer to parchment or a floured peel.
3. Spread thin layer of tomato sauce — don’t oversauce.
4. Add mozzarella chunks evenly.
5. Tear basil and scatter (or add after baking for a fresher hit).
6. Drizzle with olive oil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Slide pizza onto the hot surface. Bake for 6–9 minutes until crust is blistered and cheese is bubbling.
2. Broil briefly if needed to finish charring the top.

Step 5: Serve

1. Drizzle with more olive oil.
2. Slice and serve hot.
3. Optional: top with extra basil or a dusting of parmesan.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Margherita – Add Calabrian chili oil or sliced fresh chilies
• Smoked Mozzarella – Swap in smoked cheese for a deeper flavor
• Heirloom Twist – Use fresh sliced tomatoes + basil oil instead of sauce
• Bianca Variation – Ditch the sauce; use ricotta, garlic, and basil for a white pizza riff

Drink Pairings

• Beer – Pilsner, Kölsch, or a crisp pale ale
• Wine – Light Italian reds (Chianti, Dolcetto) or a dry rosé
• Non-Alcoholic – Sparkling water with lemon or a balsamic shrub

Final Thoughts

The Classic Margherita Pizza is proof that great pizza isn’t about piling on ingredients — it’s about balance. Crisp crust, bright tomato, creamy cheese, and herbal freshness in every bite. Master this one, and everything else is just variation.

Stretch it. Bake it. Respect the basil. 🍅🍕🔥

🍕 Explore Our Homemade Pizza Recipes

From Neapolitan-style classics to bold flavor combos and deep-dish comfort, these pizza recipes cover every craving — made right in your own kitchen.

🍅 Classic Margherita Pizza – Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce on a crispy crust.
🧀 Four Cheese Pizza – A rich, melty blend of mozzarella, fontina, parmesan, and goat cheese.
🥩 Pepperoni & Hot Honey Pizza – Sweet heat meets salty crisp in this fan-favorite combo.
🍄 Mushroom & Caramelized Onion Pizza – Umami-packed and irresistibly savory.
🧄 White Garlic Pizza – No red sauce, just creamy garlic bliss and mozzarella.
🌶️ Spicy Sausage & Jalapeño Pizza – Bold, meaty, and built for heat lovers.
🥬 Spinach & Artichoke Pizza – A cheesy white-sauce twist on the classic dip.
🍗 BBQ Chicken Pizza – Smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese.
🍕 Cast Iron Skillet Deep Dish – Crispy-edged, cheesy-centered deep-dish perfection.
🌿 Pesto Veggie Pizza – Loaded with fresh veg and herby green pesto sauce.