Margherita Pizza Recipe: Flavorful Margherita Pizza features a handful of simple yet delicious ingredients, such as gooey mozzarella cheese and fragrant fresh basil. My easy version boasts a homemade whole wheat pizza dough and scratch-made tomato sauce, but can also be assembled using store-bought essentials and your preferred toppings. Give this Italian-inspired Margherita recipe a try for your next pizza gathering or weekend movie night!
About Margherita Pizza Recipe:
Margherita pizza is a straightforward and tasty pizza that’s perfect for homemade preparation. What sets a Margherita apart is its beautifully uncomplicated nature.
The finest versions showcase mozzarella and parmesan cheese atop a tangy tomato sauce, generously adorned with fresh basil. For an added burst of flavor, you can also incorporate tomato slices.
My preferred Margherita pizza recipe utilizes a delightful Whole Wheat Pizza Crust and homemade Pizza Sauce.
I suggest opting for top-notch ingredients to craft the most delicious pizza with a perfectly chewy, lightly crispy crust and robust tomato sauce.
No yeast? No worries! Give this simple No Yeast Pizza Dough recipe a try!
I’ve simplified this recipe for you by skipping the use of a pizza stone. However, I do own a pizza stone and often make pizza using it.
Since many of us may not have a pizza stone, I’m presenting an easy method to bake the pizza in a pan.
If you happen to own a pizza stone, you can find instructions in my “expert tips” section below or in the notes section of the recipe card.
What’s the difference between Margherita Pizza and regular cheese Pizza?
If you’re curious about the distinction, let me explain. Margherita Pizza features tomato sauce or marinara as the base sauce on the crust.
Fresh Mozzarella and optionally some parmesan cheese are added, which, after baking, are garnished with fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil.
A cheese pizza, on the other hand, comprises tomato sauce on the crust and is topped with shredded mozzarella and a blend of various cheeses such as fontina, romano, provolone, or parmesan.
Ingredients: Margherita Pizza Recipe
For dough:
- 3 cups whole wheat flour or 360 grams whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast, 3 grams (see notes for dry active yeast or fresh yeast)
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water – you can also add 1.25 cups water or adjust as needed
Toppings:
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce or passata or marinara sauce – as needed
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella – adjust as needed
- Vegetarian parmesan cheese – as needed (optional)
- 20 to 25 basil leaves (fresh) – adjust as needed, optional
- Dried oregano – as needed (optional)
- Red chili flakes – as needed (optional)
Instructions: Margherita Pizza Recipe
Making the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the instant yeast, sugar, and water. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the whole wheat flour, salt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- If using a stand mixer, attach the bowl with the hook attachment and knead the dough on medium-high speed. If kneading by hand, mix everything well and knead for 8 to 10 minutes.
- The dough should be smooth, pliable, and soft. Adjust the consistency by adding water if the dough is dry or sprinkling flour if it’s sticky. The amount of water may vary depending on the quality of the flour.
- Spread water over the dough, cover with a lid or kitchen towel, and allow it to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in volume.
- Lightly knead the dough again and either proceed to make pizzas or store it covered in a tight box or pan. Spread olive oil over the dough before storing.
Assembling:
- Preheat the oven to its highest temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Grease a 9-inch pan or tray with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle flour, cornmeal, or semolina over it.
- Take a medium to large ball of dough, sprinkle flour on it, and roll it into a thin pizza crust with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 cm.
- Carefully lift and place the pizza crust in the greased baking pan or tray.
- Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce or passata over the crust.
- Add grated vegetarian parmesan cheese if desired, or skip this step if unavailable.
- Top with mozzarella cheese or pizza cheese.
Baking:
- Place the pizza pan on the lower rack near the bottom heating element of the oven.
- Use only the bottom heating element and set the oven to its highest temperature. For example, 250 degrees Celsius (475 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Bake the pizza for 10 to 15 minutes, until the base is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Top with torn fresh basil leaves and optionally sprinkle dried oregano or red chili flakes.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the Margherita pizza before serving.
- Cut the pizza with a pizza cutter or knife and serve.
Conclusion:
Margherita Pizza Recipe offers a timeless combination of flavors that epitomizes the essence of Italian cuisine. With its simple yet delicious ingredients and versatile preparation methods, it’s no wonder that Margherita Pizza remains a beloved classic worldwide. Whether you opt for homemade dough and sauce or convenient store-bought alternatives, this iconic pizza is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
FAQs about Margherita Pizza Recipe
What makes Margherita Pizza different from other pizzas?
Margherita Pizza is distinguished by its simple yet flavorful toppings, including tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and optionally, parmesan cheese. This classic combination highlights the essence of Italian cuisine with its minimalistic approach.
Can I use store-bought pizza dough and sauce for Margherita Pizza?
Absolutely! While homemade dough and sauce add a personal touch, store-bought alternatives work just as well and save time. Opt for high-quality pre-made dough and sauce to ensure the best flavor.
Can I customize the toppings on Margherita Pizza?
While the traditional Margherita Pizza sticks to a few key ingredients, such as mozzarella and basil, feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add additional vegetables, meats, or cheeses according to your preferences, but keep in mind that simplicity is key to preserving the authentic Margherita flavor.
How do I achieve the perfect crust for Margherita Pizza?
The key to a perfect crust lies in the dough preparation and baking method. Ensure your dough is properly kneaded to achieve the desired texture, and preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible to create a crispy yet chewy crust. Baking the pizza on a preheated surface, such as a pizza stone or a preheated pan, also helps achieve optimal results.
Can I make Margherita Pizza ahead of time?
Margherita Pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can prepare certain components ahead of time to streamline the process. Prepare the dough and sauce in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready to assemble and bake the pizza, simply bring the ingredients to room temperature and proceed with the recipe as directed.
