Name: Margherita Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ⅛ Cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling; ¾ Cup warm water; 1 Teaspoon granulated sugar; 1 Teaspoon salt; 1 Teaspoon garlic powder; 2¼ Teaspoons active dry yeast; 2 Cups all purpose flour; ½ to ¾ Cup pizza sauce; 8 Ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; ¼ Cup fresh basil leaves; Hot honey for drizzling

Jump to Recipe·4 from 86 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of crafting a truly authentic Italian delight right in your own kitchen, then this Margherita Pizza Recipe is your new best friend. With its perfectly chewy crust, vibrant tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, every bite bursts with classic flavors that transport you straight to Naples. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that proves homemade pizza can be both easy and irresistibly delicious, making it impossible to resist sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of ingredients for a recipe arranged on a white marbled texture covered wooden table. In the center bottom, there is a clear glass bowl full of white flour with a soft, powdery texture. Above the flour, a small white bowl with beige dry yeast granules sits slightly right. To the top right of the yeast bowl, a white bowl holds bright yellow olive oil, smooth and shiny. Near the olive oil and to the right, there is a white ball of soft, smooth mozzarella cheese. Below the cheese, there are bright green, fresh basil leaves with a slightly glossy surface. To the top left of the flour, a white bowl contains a mix of salt and light brown garlic powder, with a grainy texture. Near this bowl, a jar filled with vibrant red tomato sauce stands with a thick, slightly chunky texture visible through the glass. At the very top center, a small glass measuring cup is filled with clear water with a glass handle. Scattered around are more fresh basil leaves and a wooden spatula with a gray silicone tip on the lower right. A soft beige and black striped cloth cloth is positioned on the left bottom corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Margherita Pizza Recipe is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table—whether it’s the richness of the mozzarella or the herbal brightness of fresh basil. Every component plays a crucial role in building a pizza that’s balanced, flavorful, and visually inviting.

Olive oil (⅛ cup plus extra for drizzling): Adds luscious richness and helps develop a tender dough crust.
Warm water (¾ cup): Activates the yeast for that perfect rise and airy texture.
Granulated sugar (1 teaspoon): Feeds the yeast and gives a subtle touch of sweetness.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and strengthens the dough.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle, savory undertone to the dough.
Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): The magical rising agent that creates a light, chewy crust.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the foundation of the dough with the right gluten balance.
Pizza sauce (½ to ¾ cup): Provides the tangy, fresh tomato flavor essential for traditional Margherita pizza.
Fresh mozzarella cheese (8 ounces, sliced): Melts beautifully and delivers creamy, milky goodness.
Fresh basil leaves (¼ cup): Adds that iconic aromatic pop and vibrant green color on top.
Optional hot honey drizzle: Brings a sweet-spicy twist that elevates each slice.

How to Make Margherita Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Let’s start by waking up the yeast. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water and active dry yeast, then allow it to rest for about 2 minutes. This step ensures the yeast becomes frothy and ready to give your dough a perfect rise—this is the foundation of a great pizza crust.

Step 2: Mix in Flavors and Flour

Next, add salt, olive oil, garlic powder, and sugar to the yeast mixture. Combine everything well before stirring in the flour. This mixture will feel sticky at first but that’s exactly how it should be—sticky dough means it will be tender and chewy once baked.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Oil another bowl lightly, then transfer your dough there. Cover with a tea towel or plastic wrap and set it aside to rise until doubled in size, which usually takes about an hour. This patient waiting is what develops the dough’s flavor and airy texture.

Step 4: Shape and Preheat

Once your dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Let it rest briefly under a towel while you preheat your oven to 500 degrees F, placing a pizza stone inside to heat up. The stone will help achieve that perfect crispy bottom that’s so signature of Margherita pizza.

Step 5: Form the Pizza Base

Using your fingers and light pinching, stretch and shape the dough into a 10 to 12-inch circle. This hands-on step is a fun way to connect with your dough, and the uneven rustic shape adds to its charm.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Carefully place the dough on the preheated pizza stone. Spread about half a cup of pizza sauce evenly over the surface, then scatter fresh mozzarella slices on top. Pop it back in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling beautifully.

Step 7: Add Fresh Basil and Serve

Once out of the oven, immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the pizza, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle a little salt. Slice it up and prepare for that brownie-point-worthy first bite. Optional hot honey drizzle is a game-changer for those who love a hint of spicy sweetness.

How to Serve Margherita Pizza Recipe

A pizza sits on a round dark metal plate with a golden-brown crust forming the base layer that is thick and slightly risen. On top is a bright red tomato sauce spread evenly, followed by a layer of melted white mozzarella cheese with light golden brown spots and melted texture. Fresh dark green basil leaves are scattered across the cheese, giving a fresh look. The plate rests on crumpled brown parchment paper over a wooden surface with sliced red tomatoes and two gold forks near the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil is an absolute must, lending that unmistakable fragrance and vibrant green contrast. A light drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving enhances the flavors and gives the pizza a mouthwatering sheen. For some adventurous palates, a touch of hot honey adds a surprising yet delightful kick.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple to complement the pizza’s fresh, bright flavors. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, a bowl of marinated olives, or a refreshing caprese salad with tomatoes and basil make wonderful companions. These help cleanse the palate and balance the richness of the cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Margherita pizza on a wooden pizza peel or a rustic cutting board for that authentic pizzeria vibe. Consider adding edible flowers or freshly cracked black pepper for extra flair. For a casual gathering, cut into small squares and serve family-style to encourage sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Keeping the pizza refrigerated will maintain freshness for up to 2 days. Pro tip: Let it come to room temperature before reheating for the best texture.

Freezing

Margherita pizza freezes well if you wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method preserves texture and flavor for up to 1 month, making it super convenient to enjoy pizza anytime you want without starting from scratch.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover Margherita pizza is in a hot skillet on the stove or under a broiler in your oven. This revives the crispy crust much better than a microwave, keeping cheese melty and crust perfectly crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this Margherita Pizza Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade dough tastes incredible, good quality store-bought dough can save time and still yield delicious results. Just let it come to room temperature before stretching.

What type of mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella is essential for an authentic Margherita Pizza Recipe. It melts beautifully and gives a creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tangy sauce and fragrant basil.

Do I need a pizza stone?

A pizza stone is highly recommended because it absorbs moisture and distributes heat evenly, giving you that perfect crispy bottom and professional finish. However, a baking sheet can work in a pinch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This even improves the flavor and texture, making your pizza taste even better.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

The traditional Margherita Pizza Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free pizza flour blends designed for baking to create a similar delicious experience.

Final Thoughts

This Margherita Pizza Recipe is a wonderful celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to make something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends on a casual weekend, it’s a fantastic way to share the joy of homemade Italian food. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style.