Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Margherita pizza is incredibly simple to make, yet bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella creates a satisfying and delicious bite every time. It's a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates the beauty of simplicity in food, as there’s no overwhelming tomato sauce—just fresh ingredients that speak for themselves.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 recipe for pizza dough (or use premade pizza crust)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 7 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Oil a large pizza pan and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Add the tomato slices and let them marinate for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the tomato slices from the oil and set them aside.
- Spread the pizza dough onto the prepared pizza pan. Brush the dough with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough, then arrange the tomato slices on top.
- Bake the pizza for 15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the torn basil leaves evenly over the pizza. Let it stand for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 large pizza (about 4 slices per person)
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Margherita Pizza: Use vegan mozzarella cheese and skip the Parmesan for a plant-based version of this classic pizza.
- Add Protein: You can top your Margherita pizza with grilled chicken, prosciutto, or even anchovies if you want to enhance the flavor.
- Spicy Margherita: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until the crust is crispy again. Alternatively, use a skillet on the stove for about 3 minutes to crisp the bottom.
FAQs
How do I make homemade pizza dough?
Homemade pizza dough is made with flour, yeast, water, olive oil, and salt. Mix the ingredients, knead the dough, and let it rise before using. Alternatively, store-bought pizza dough can be used for convenience.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes are preferred for their low moisture content, but you can use any tomato variety you like. Just be sure to drain excess juice to avoid a soggy pizza.
Can I make Margherita pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the pizza dough and toppings ahead of time. Assemble the pizza and store it in the fridge for up to a day, then bake when ready to serve.
Is Margherita pizza gluten-free?
Traditional Margherita pizza uses regular pizza dough, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough if you don’t want to make your own. Just make sure it’s high-quality for the best taste.
What type of mozzarella should I use?
Fresh mozzarella is best for Margherita pizza, as it melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella.
Can I make Margherita pizza without basil?
While basil adds the signature flavor to a Margherita pizza, you can skip it if you don’t have any. You could try other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
How do I prevent the pizza dough from being soggy?
To prevent a soggy pizza, make sure to drain the tomatoes thoroughly, and don’t overload the pizza with too much liquid.
Can I cook Margherita pizza in a pizza oven?
Yes, a pizza oven will give the pizza a crispier crust and enhance the flavor, but a conventional oven will work just as well.
How long can I store leftover Margherita pizza?
Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
Margherita pizza is a timeless classic that highlights the simple beauty of Italian cuisine. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a pizza that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you're making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delightful taste of Italy, right from your kitchen!
Margherita Pizza Recipe
This Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish, featuring a crispy crust topped with olive oil, fresh garlic, ripe Roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil. A simple yet delicious recipe that brings the authentic taste of Italy to your home kitchen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: : 1 large pizza (about 4 slices per person)
- Category: Main CourseMain Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 recipe for pizza dough (or use premade pizza crust)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 7 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and oil a large pizza pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil and minced garlic. Add the tomato slices and let them marinate for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, remove the tomatoes from the oil mixture and set them aside.
- Spread the pizza dough onto the prepared pan and brush with the garlic and olive oil mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dough. Arrange the marinated tomato slices on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges of the pizza are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, and sprinkle the torn basil leaves evenly over the pizza.
- Let the pizza rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mozzarella cheese and skip the Parmesan for a plant-based Margherita pizza.
- Protein Additions: Try adding grilled chicken, or anchovies for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist on this classic pizza.
