Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe

The Classic Margherita Pizza celebrates the purest flavors of Italy! Created in Naples in 1889, it was officially named after Queen Margherita of Savoy. In order to keep tradition, the colors of the pizza represent the Italian flag. Including, fresh “green” basil leaves. Followed by the salty “white” Mozzarella cheese. Then finally the vibrant “red” sauce.

Despite what you may have heard, the Classic Margherita Pizza is very easy to make. Begin by easily proofing a homemade pizza dough. Then add in some fresh Italian ingredients. Finally, cook the pizza in a blazing hot wood-burning pizza oven!

Ingredients in Pizza Margherita

The Classic Margherita pizza requires only a few basic ingredients. Plus, all of these ingredients are found at most major grocery stores. You can even order “00” flour and gourmet olive oil online.

• Flour
• tomatoes
• garlic
• salt
• mozzarella
• basil
• olive oil

A premium quality pizza flour-like Molino Caputo is essential. Without a doubt, their “00” flour will help achieve a crispy and yummy pizza crust. Not only does it stretch well, this flour can also withstand long hours of proofing. On the other hand, you may buy a good-quality, pre-made pizza dough. Thus allowing more time to focus on pizza assembly and toppings.

San Marzano tomatoes are a key ingredient in Italian cuisine. Moreover, their sharp, rich flavors hold up beautifully in pizza sauce. Just add in a little garlic and salt for an amazing pizza sauce.

The soft Mozzarella adds a subtle sour flavor. While cooking, the cheese will brown on top, creating that picture perfect pizza.

Italian basil is a must. The herb incorporates a sweet freshness to the Margherita pizza. Just add the basil afterwards to avoid a burnt taste.

Substitutions for Pizza Margherita

A few fresh San Marzano tomatoes will do wonders to this pizza. Start off by charring the tomatoes under the broiler. Then remove the skin and crush them in the blender. Finally, add in some oregano, red pepper flakes and olive oil. This will give you a more smokey, herb flavored sauce.

Provolone and Fior di latte are good substitutes for Mozzarella cheese. They both add richness and saltiness. Not to mention, you can use all three for a super cheesy pizza.

Cant find “00” flour? As an alternative, you can use all-purpose flour. While the crust may not get as crispy, the pizza will still be amazing. Also, try and keep some good unbleached flour on hand. Your taste buds will thank me.

Store and Reheat

Once the pizza has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Furthermore, if stacking slices, ensure to put a parchment paper between each slice.

In order to reheat, preheat your oven or air fryer to 350° F. Then Place the pizza slices in a single layer directly on the rack. Cook for 5-7 mins.

Classic Margherita Pizza

Recipe by Pizza Poster

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Main, AppetizersCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium, Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

7

minutes

Calories

626

kcal

Proofing time

1

hour 

Yields

1

Pizza

Total time

1

hour 

52

minutes

Created in Naples for the queen, the classic Pizza Margherita is made with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups Italian 00 flour, plus more for dusting

• 1 cup warm water, around 110 degrees

• 1 package yeast / 1 tbsp of sourdough starter

• 3 tsp kosher salt

• 1 clove garlic

• 1/4 can san Marzano tomatoes peeled

• 6 pieces fresh mozzarella cheese

• 5 whole fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Directions

• To make the dough
• Stir the yeast into the warm water. Then set aside until the surface turns foamy.
• Sieve the flour in another bowl and mix in 2 tsp salt. Add 1 cup at a time into the foamy water and mix well. Knead the mixture for 15-20 minutes in the press-fold-rotate technique. Press the dough forward using the palms. Fold the extended portion. Then, Turn the bowl slightly, and repeat. Alternatively you can use a stand mixer on med-high for 4-5 mins.
• Coat with olive oil and Cover the bowl with a damp towel. Then set aside in a warm place for 1 hour.
• To assemble the pizza
• Preheat the oven to 550° F, or the highest it will reach. Be sure to throw in your pizza stone if you got one.
• Prepare the sauce by crushing the tomatoes, garlic, and 1 tsp salt in a food processor. Combine well.
• Place the proofed dough on a flour-dusted surface. Then, coat with flour all over and flatten it out with a rolling pin. Slowly turn at an angle to keep the pizza in a round shape.
• Pull the dough gently around the edges using your fingers to stretch it out.
• Spread a thin layer of the prepared sauce on the pizza. Then, break up and scatter the mozzarella on top. Finally, drizzle some olive oil around the pizza as well as the exposed crust.
• Using your peel, place the pizza in the oven on to the pizza stone or pan. Then, bake for 5-7 mins. Just until the mozzarella melts and the crust turns golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil. Slice, then serve immediately.

Equipment

• Ninja pro food processorBuy now!
• Ooni 12” pizza stoneBuy now!
• Ooni bamboo pizza peelBuy now!

Recipe Video

NUTRITION

• Serving size = 1 slice
  Calories: 626 | Protein: 22.52g | Fat: 15.08g | Carbs: 98.09g | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 1.09g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 1772mg | Potassium: 222mg

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