This recipe will teach you how to make authentic homemade Margherita Pizza. You understand its history, health advantages, and much more. Continue reading to find out.
Origin of Margherita Pizza
The Margherita pizza holds a special place as one of the world’s favorite pizzas. Its roots lead us back to Italy, specifically in 1889, when a skilled pizza maker from Naples named Raffaele Esposito crafted it. This delicious pizza was a tribute to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who happened to be in Naples during that time.
Legend has it that Esposito created the pizza to represent the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella cheese), and green (basil leaves). He used these ingredients to make a simple and delicious pizza that would be fit for a queen. The Margherita pizza quickly became a favorite in Naples and soon spread throughout Italy and eventually, the rest of the world.
Today, the Margherita pizza remains a classic and is a favorite of pizza lovers everywhere. It is often regarded as the purest and most traditional form of pizza, and many pizzerias around the world strive to recreate the original recipe. Whether enjoyed in a pizzeria or made at home, the Margherita pizza is a delicious and timeless dish that has stood the test of time.
Margherita Pizza Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium8
servings20
minutes10
minutes300
kcal35
grams30
minutesIndulge in the irresistible flavors of authentic Italian Margherita pizza with our homemade recipe featuring fresh and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
1 batch of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup of tomato sauce
1/4 tsp of salt
1/4 tsp of black pepper
1/4 tsp of dried oregano
1/4 tsp of garlic powder
8 oz of fresh mozzarella cheese
2-3 tbsp of olive oil
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Lightly flour a work surface and roll out your pizza dough to the desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet that has been lightly coated with cornmeal.
- In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edges.
- Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into thin slices and place them on top of the tomato sauce.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pizza and use your fingers to spread it around evenly.
- Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top of the pizza.
- Slice the pizza and serve it hot.
Notes
- The information written about calories is for one slice only. 8 slices make 8 servings. The total time also includes the time to prepare the dough.
- For a little extra flavor, try adding thinly sliced garlic, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of your Margherita pizza before baking.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Note: Please note that these values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. Additionally, this data is calculated by nutritional calculators and for one slice only.
| 300 | 10g | 35g | 12g |
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
➤ Show Full Nutrition Label
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
Serving Size100g
- Amount Per ServingCalories300
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
10g
16%
- Saturated Fat 4g 20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 20mg 7%
- Sodium 500mg 21%
- Potassium 0mg 0%
- Total Carbohydrate
35g
12%
- Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 12g 24%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Tips to Make Authentic Margherita Pizza
Here are five important things to remember when making your very own Margherita pizza at home.
Fresh is Best
For a really tasty pizza, use really fresh stuff. Pick ripe, juicy tomatoes, top-notch fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Avoid those canned tomatoes or cheese that’s already been grated – they don’t give the same yummy flavor.
Make It Thin
To get that super crispy crust, stretch out your pizza dough so it’s nice and thin. Use your hands or a rolling pin to gently spread it out to the size you want. But don’t go overboard – you don’t want it to tear or be paper-thin.
Sprinkle Some Cornmeal
Before you put your pizza on the baking surface, sprinkle some cornmeal. This helps keep the dough from sticking and adds a tasty crunch. Make sure the whole surface is coated – whether you’re using a baking stone or a baking sheet.
Keep It Simple
Margherita Pizza is all about simplicity. Don’t go crazy with the toppings. Just a thin layer of tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella slices, and a couple of basil leaves are perfect. Too many toppings can mess up the flavor and make things soggy.
Get That Oven Ready
Before you start baking, make sure your oven is really hot – usually around 450-500°F (230-260°C). Give it at least 30 minutes to heat up. Using a pizza stone can also be a game-changer. Heat it up in the oven for half an hour, then put your pizza on it for that extra crispy crust and even cooking.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and Authentic Margherita pizza that is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Margherita Pizza
I’ve got some ideas to help you enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza even more:
Team Up with a Salad: Pair your Margherita pizza with a simple Greek salad. Keep it light and fresh with a vinaigrette dressing on the side.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Add an extra splash of tasty olive oil to your pizza. Go for the good stuff – extra-virgin olive oil will bring out the best flavors.
Spice it Up: If you’re into some kick, offer red pepper flakes on the side. A sprinkle can crank up the flavor and heat.
Fresh Arugula Boost: After your pizza is out of the oven, toss some fresh arugula on top. It’ll add a nice crunch and peppery taste.
Pair with Wine: Margherita pizza and wine go hand in hand. Choose a light red like Pinot Noir or Chianti, or a white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s tanginess balances the cheesy goodness.
With these ideas, you’ll create a fancy feast that everyone will love.
Dietary Information for Margherita Pizza
| Diet | Information |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | No |
| Dairy-Free | No (fresh mozzarella cheese is a key ingredient) |
| Vegan | No (contains cheese) |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Keto | No (pizza dough and tomato sauce contain carbs) |
| Paleo | No (pizza dough contains wheat) |
Storage Tips for Margherita Pizza
Enjoyed your pizza? Now you are thinking what do I do with the leftovers? Don’t worry I got you covered with these storage tips.
Airtight Armor: Pop any extra pizza in a tight-sealed container. This locks in moisture and keeps it from getting all dry and sad.
Cool it Fast: Stick your leftover pizza in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking. This is key to stopping any unwanted guests (like harmful bacteria) from joining the party.
Oven Magic: When it’s time to reheat, use the oven, not the microwave. The oven keeps the crust crispy and the cheese all melty. Warm things up at 350°F. Put the pizza on a tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s cozy again.
Freeze Frame: If you’re not diving into the leftovers anytime soon, freeze ’em. Wrap each slice in plastic or foil, and then pack them together in a snug container or bag. Write the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
My Advice
Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish that’s simple to make but full of flavor. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, including fresh mozzarella and San Marzano tomatoes, to really make this dish shine. And don’t forget to let the dough rest before rolling it out to create a light and crispy crust. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the perfect pizza every time!
Frequently Asked Questions
To make the pizza dough from scratch, you’ll need flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, sugar, and salt. Combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Then add the flour, olive oil, and salt and mix until the dough forms. Knead the dough for a few minutes, cover it, and let it rise for at least an hour before using.
While fresh mozzarella cheese is preferred for Margherita pizza, shredded mozzarella can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to use good-quality shredded mozzarella and distribute it evenly on the pizza.
It’s recommended to let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This allows the gluten in the dough to relax, making it easier to stretch and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
Yes, you can make Margherita pizza on a grill. Preheat the grill to high heat, roll out the dough, and place it on the grill. Cook for a few minutes on one side, then flip it over and add the sauce, cheese, and toppings. Close the lid and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Margherita pizza should be baked in a preheated oven at 450°F for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Victoria Cornell is an experienced entrepreneur and blogger. She loves to write about a variation of topics including, motherhood, recipes and mindset and manifestation!
