Margherita pizza homemade

November 11, 2025

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margherita pizza

Margherita pizza is fresh, healthy and full of flavor. Discover the secrets to a homemade Mediterranean classic with this practical guide.

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Total Time 31

Servings: 4 slices

Course: Pizza

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 270

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 unit pizza dough
0.5 cup tomato sauce preferably homemade or low sodium
1 unit fresh mozzarella ball about 125g, sliced
2 unit medium ripe tomatoes sliced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
0.25 teaspoon sea salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
10 leaves fresh basil leaves

Method

Preheat your oven to its maximum temperature (typically 250-270°C / 480-520°F). If using a pizza stone or steel, place it inside now.
Stretch the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle about 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter, leaving a slightly raised edge for the crust.
Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 cm free at the edge for the crust.
Add the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce, then layer on the tomato slices.
Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 11-13 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
Slice and serve hot to enjoy your margherita pizza at its freshest.

Notes

Experience the magic of margherita pizza—a timeless classic beloved worldwide for its simplicity and balance. This versatile dish graces weeknight dinners and special gatherings alike, delivering vibrant Mediterranean flavor with minimal ingredients.

Smart Tips for Pizza Perfection

For the best crust, let your dough come fully to room temperature before stretching; this avoids tearing and helps create that prized chewy texture. If you don’t have a pizza stone, use an upside-down baking sheet preheated in the oven—the result is still a golden, crisp base.
Fresh mozzarella tends to release moisture. To prevent sogginess, pat slices dry with a paper towel before using. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan over the tomato sauce before adding the main cheese for savory depth.

Ingredient Swaps and Helpful Tricks

If fresh basil isn’t available, drizzle with quality pesto after baking for fragrance and color. Can’t find fresh tomatoes at peak ripeness? Use high-quality canned San Marzano tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped. For those who prefer a gluten-free option, this recipe adapts easily using your favorite gluten-free dough.

Serving and Variations

Pair your margherita pizza with a peppery arugula salad, marinated olives, or a chilled white wine to complement its delicate flavors. Try finishing with a drizzle of chili oil for extra kick, or experiment by adding roasted garlic or a handful of baby spinach before baking. However you choose to serve it, let the fresh ingredients shine and enjoy every bite!