Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian favorite that’s simple yet bursting with fresh flavors. With a crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal any night of the week.

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

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Sauce by whisking tomato paste, olive oil, and water in a medium bowl until smooth. Add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt, then stir well. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it inside during preheating.
3. Step 3: Thaw the frozen pizza dough as per package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Step 5: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the dough, including the edges.
6. Step 6: Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
8. Step 8: Arrange the thinly sliced Roma tomatoes evenly on top of the cheese.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
10. Step 10: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with light browning.
11. Step 11: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves.
12. Step 12: Let the pizza cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it well before baking.
• Substitute fresh mozzarella slices for shredded cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the basil before serving for extra flavor.
• Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

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 and can save time, but making your own allows you to customize the herbs and flavors for a fresher taste.

How do I prevent the pizza crust from getting soggy?

Brushing the dough with melted butter before adding sauce helps create a barrier that prevents sogginess. Also, avoid adding too much sauce, and bake at a high temperature for a crispy crust.

Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 118 reviews

This homemade Margherita pizza recipe combines a crispy pizza crust with a flavorful, herb-infused tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, fresh Roma tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves. Topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and a buttery crust, this classic Italian pizza is simple to prepare and perfect for any pizza night at home.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza

• 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

• 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

1. 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 to the mixture. Stir thoroughly until all herbs are evenly distributed. Set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the pizza base.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prep Dough: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating. If using frozen pizza dough, thaw according to package directions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Butter the Crust: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the pizza dough, including the edges. This adds flavor and helps create a golden, crispy crust.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the buttered dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Arrange the Roma tomato slices on top of the cheese, distributing them evenly across the pizza. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned in spots.
6. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set slightly, then serve.

Notes

• You can use fresh or frozen pizza dough; just ensure frozen dough is fully thawed before shaping.
• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
• Adjust the herb quantities in the pizza sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• For a more intense tomato flavor, allow the pizza sauce to sit for at least 15 minutes before spreading.
• Fresh basil should be added after baking to retain its bright flavor and color.

Keywords: Margherita pizza, homemade pizza, pizza sauce, baking, Italian recipe, mozzarella, fresh basil, tomato pizza