Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe
Introduction
This Homemade Margherita Pizza offers a perfect balance of fresh tomato, basil, and melted cheese on a buttery crust. With simple ingredients and a flavorful homemade sauce, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors at home.
Ingredients
- 1 Pizza Crust (I like Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough)
- 1 ¾ cup (about 8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, cut into thin round slices
- 10 Large Basil Leaves
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce (recipe below)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Pizza Sauce Ingredients
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp marjoram
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, olive oil, and water until smooth and well combined. Add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt, stirring until the herbs are evenly mixed. Set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating.
- Step 3: If using frozen dough, thaw it according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your preferred thickness, then transfer it to a greased pizza pan or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough, including the edges.
- Step 5: Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the buttered dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Step 7: Arrange the sliced Roma tomatoes on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
- Step 9: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots.
- Step 10: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.
Tips & Variations
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded for a more authentic texture and flavor.
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes after baking for extra richness and a hint of heat.
- Use a pizza stone for even heat distribution and a crunchier base.
Storage
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm slices in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works well if you’re short on time. Just choose one with fresh herbs and a good balance of flavors to keep your pizza tasty.
What is the best type of cheese for Margherita pizza?
Fresh mozzarella is traditional and provides a creamy texture, but shredded mozzarella is a convenient alternative that melts well. Adding parmesan gives a nice salty finish.
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Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 3-4) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Homemade Margherita Pizza recipe combines a crisp pizza crust with a flavorful herb-infused tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe Roma tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a blend of Parmesan cheese and butter for a deliciously classic Italian pizza experience. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this pizza is a simple yet satisfying meal ideal for any pizza lover.
Ingredients
Pizza
- 1 Pizza Crust (Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough recommended)
- 1 ¾ cup (about 8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 10 Large Basil Leaves
- ½ cup Pizza Sauce (see below)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pizza Sauce
- 6 oz tomato paste
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp ground sage
- ¼ tsp marjoram
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato paste, olive oil, and water until smooth and well combined. Add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt. Stir thoroughly until all herbs are evenly distributed. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pizza stone inside the oven if available to heat up along with the oven.
- Prepare the dough: If using frozen pizza dough, thaw it according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to pan: Place the rolled dough onto a greased pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply butter: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire pizza dough surface, including the edges for extra flavor and browning.
- Spread sauce: Evenly spread the prepared pizza sauce across the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust.
- Add cheeses and toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce, layer the Roma tomato slices evenly on top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over everything.
- Bake the pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Finish with basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh aroma and flavor.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your taste preferences.
- Allowing the dough to come to room temperature before rolling can make it easier to handle.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking to preserve its vibrant flavor and color.
- You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Margherita pizza, homemade pizza, pizza dough, pizza sauce, Italian pizza, mozzarella pizza, easy pizza recipe
