Authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe: How to Make the Best Homemade Italian Pizza
Are you ready to experience the authentic taste of Italy with a simple yet exquisite dish? Keep reading to learn how to make an authentic Margherita pizza that will delight your taste buds with its timeless charm.
Margherita pizza is a celebration of pure and fresh ingredients. The combination of creamy mozzarella, tangy tomato purée, and fragrant fresh basil creates a harmony of flavors that feels light yet indulgent. The thin, golden crust acts as the perfect foundation, baked to perfection for just the right amount of crispiness.
What makes this pizza special is its simplicity. Using high-quality ingredients is key:
- Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and delivers a creamy richness.
- Tomato purée adds a bold and slightly sweet tang to every bite.
- Fresh basil brings an aromatic freshness that completes the dish.
The best part? It’s not just delicious—it’s wholesome. A single pizza serving is around 730 calories, providing a satisfying meal packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Serve it with a green salad or a glass of your favorite drink for a perfect Italian-inspired feast.
This classic recipe is quick and easy, taking only about 90 minutes, including time for the dough to rise. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing guests, Margherita pizza is always a winner.
We’re excited for you to try this recipe and fall in love with its simplicity and elegance. Follow the steps, and you’ll have a slice of Italy on your plate in no time!
Ingredients For 4 Serves
Bread flour or all-purpose flour | 3½ cups (approximately 500 grams) |
Warm water | 1¼ cups (approximately 300 milliliters) |
Dry yeast | 3 teaspoon |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
For the sauce: | |
Chopped tomatoes or tomato puree | 400 grams |
Garlic (finely chopped) | 2 cloves |
Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
Salt | as needed |
pepper | as needed |
Fresh basil (for garnish) | a few leaves |
For the pizza topping: | |
Fresh mozzarella cheese (cut into rings) | 250 grams |
Fresh basil leaves | a few leaves |
Olive oil | a little for topping the pizza |
cook time
Dough preparation time | 15 minutes |
Dough resting time | 60 minutes |
Sauce preparation time | 15 minutes |
Cooking time | 10 minutes |
Total time: about 1 hour and 40 minutes (including full dough resting) | 100 minutes |
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories | 731 calories |
Fat | 27 grams |
Protein | 23 grams |
Carbohydrates | 94 grams |
Fiber | 4 grams |
Let's get started
Step 1
Preparing the Dough:
- Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a bowl and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour, salt, and olive oil, then knead the dough until it becomes smooth (approximately 10 minutes).
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rest in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 2
Making the Tomato Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly sauté the minced garlic.
- Add the chopped or puréed tomatoes and cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves.
Step 3
Assembling the Pizza:
- Preheat the oven to 250°C (480°F).
- Divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each portion into a circle with a rolling pin.
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce on each dough base, add sliced mozzarella cheese, and top with fresh basil leaves.
Step 4
Baking and Serving:
- Bake the pizzas in the hot oven for 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the pizzas after baking and serve immediately.
Additional Tips:
If you're in a hurry and want the dough to rise faster:
- Increase the amount of yeast from 3 teaspoons (9 grams) to 4 or 4.5 teaspoons (12-13.5 grams).
- Use slightly warmer water (about 43-45°C / 110-113°F ) to speed up activation, but avoid overheating, as it can kill the yeast.
- Add an extra teaspoon of sugar to provide more food for the yeast and accelerate fermentation.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place, such as near a warm oven, on top of a radiator, or inside a turned-off oven with the light on to create a warm environment.
To learn more about the benefits of mozzarella cheese: Benefits of Mozzarella Cheese
