Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/homemade-margherita-pizza-recipe/
