Description:
Learn how to make authentic Italian Margherita pizza at home with this step-by-step recipe. From homemade dough to fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella, this is the ultimate guide to pizza perfection.
Introduction
Craving a slice of Italy right in your kitchen? The Italian Margherita pizza is the perfect dish to start with. With its crispy, thin crust, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, it embodies the simplicity and bold flavors of traditional Italian cuisine.
In this post, you’ll discover a step-by-step Margherita pizza recipe, including how to make the dough, sauce, and assemble the perfect pie. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this guide will help you recreate the magic of a pizzeria-style pizza right at home.
🍅 What Is Margherita Pizza?
The Italian Margherita pizza is a classic Neapolitan-style pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It was reportedly created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, featuring the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). Today, it remains one of the most popular types of pizza around the world.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Authentic flavor with simple ingredients
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✅ Easy homemade dough with basic pantry staples
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✅ Customizable to your taste
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✅ Perfect for pizza night, parties, or family dinner
📝 Ingredients for Margherita Pizza
For the Pizza Dough:
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2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp instant yeast
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¾ cup warm water (not hot)
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Tomato Sauce:
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3 ripe tomatoes (or ½ cup canned tomatoes)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt to taste
Toppings:
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1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
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Fresh basil leaves
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1 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
Step-by-Step Margherita Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
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Add warm water and olive oil.
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Mix until it forms a shaggy dough. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
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Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
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Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
💡 Pro Tip: For best results, prepare the dough a few hours in advance or let it rise in the fridge overnight for enhanced flavor.
Step 2: Make the Pizza Sauce
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Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Add chopped or crushed tomatoes.
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Simmer for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Season with oregano and salt.
💡 Shortcut: You can also use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic Neapolitan flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it in the oven during preheating to mimic the high heat of a traditional pizza oven.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
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Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions if making small pizzas.
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Roll one portion into a 10–12 inch circle on a floured surface.
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Transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment or directly onto a pizza peel if using a stone.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza
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Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
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Add slices of mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
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Top with fresh basil leaves.
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Drizzle with olive oil.
💡 Optional: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt or red chili flakes for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
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Place the pizza in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
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Remove and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve your Italian Margherita pizza hot with a side of:
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Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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A glass of red wine or sparkling water
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Garlic bread or olive oil dip
It also pairs wonderfully with Italian antipasti like olives, cheese, and roasted vegetables.
🔄 Variations & Tips
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Add cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra tangy punch.
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Use buffalo mozzarella (Mozzarella di Bufala) for a creamier texture.
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For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free pizza dough.
🧊 How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerate: Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Toast in an oven or skillet for best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible.
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Freeze: You can freeze baked pizza slices or unbaked dough for up to a month.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate)
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Calories: 230
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Protein: 9g
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Carbs: 28g
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Fat: 9g
✅ Final Thoughts
The Italian Margherita pizza proves that simplicity is the heart of Italian cooking. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a pizza that’s crispy, chewy, flavorful, and entirely satisfying. Once you try this at home, you’ll skip the takeout and reach for your rolling pin more often!