Best Easy Pizza Margherita Recipe

San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a blistered Neapolitan crust is perfection in simplicity. This iconic vegetarian mediterranean pizza is a family favorite worldwide.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 285 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • pizza dough, 12-inch round 1 piece
  • fresh mozzarella cheese 8 oz
  • San Marzano whole tomatoes (drained and crushed) 1 cup
  • fresh basil leaves 1 cup
  • olive oil 1 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 0.5 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 36 g 51%
Protein 12 g 17%
Fat 10 g 32%
Serving size 170g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (500°F or more) with a pizza stone or heavy baking sheet inside for at least 30 minutes to ensure proper heat retention.

  2. 2

    On a lightly floured surface, stretch the pizza dough into a 12-inch round, creating a slightly thicker rim for the crust.

  3. 3

    Spread the crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust; season the tomato layer with kosher salt and pepper.

  4. 4

    Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and scatter them evenly over the sauce, making sure not to overcrowd any area.

  5. 5

    Quickly slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is blistered and golden with bubbling cheese.

  6. 6

    Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle with olive oil and scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot pie for optimal aroma and flavor.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The true heart of Pizza Margherita is the use of San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce and creamy fresh mozzarella cheese. Together, these ingredients create the iconic flavor pairing and melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines an authentic Margherita pizza.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect Neapolitan crust at home?
Ensure your oven and pizza stone are preheated to at least 500°F for a minimum of 30 minutes. This high heat is crucial for developing a blistered, airy crust while preventing sogginess. Sliding the pizza onto the hot stone helps achieve rapid oven spring and a crisp base.
Q. What can I do to prevent my pizza from becoming soggy?
Avoid using too much sauce or cheese and always drain your tomatoes before crushing them. Spreading ingredients evenly, not overcrowding, and baking on a preheated surface at high heat all help keep your crust crisp and avoid excess moisture.
Q. How many calories per serving does this Pizza Margherita provide?
Each serving (170g) of this Pizza Margherita supplies approximately 285 kcal, with 36g carbs (51% of energy), 12g protein (17%), and 10g fat (32%), making it a well-balanced vegetarian Mediterranean option.
Q. Is this Pizza Margherita recipe suitable for a vegetarian or Mediterranean diet?
Absolutely. With no meat or seafood and an emphasis on high-quality tomatoes, mozzarella, olive oil, and fresh basil, this recipe is both vegetarian and Mediterranean diet-friendly.
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