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Family enjoying Margherita pizza at a pizzeria, with a wooden table and natural lighting.

Discovering Margherita Pizza: A Timeless Classic

Margherita Pizza is a classic Italian dish that brings together fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a crispy crust. Originating from Naples, it’s a timeless favorite that’s perfect for pizza lovers worldwide. This simple yet delicious pizza is a tribute to Italian culinary traditions, offering a balance of light and fresh flavors that will satisfy any craving.

  • Total Time: 22-40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 pizza (serves 2-4 people depending on portion size) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pizza dough ball (preferably homemade or store-bought)

  • 200g (7oz) fresh mozzarella cheese

  • 100g (3.5oz) ripe cherry tomatoes or San Marzano tomatoes

  • 10 fresh basil leaves

  • Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F), and if you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up.

  2. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.

  3. Spread the sauce: If using fresh tomatoes, slice them thinly and arrange them on top of the pizza dough. Alternatively, spread a thin layer of crushed San Marzano tomato sauce over the dough.

  4. Add the mozzarella: Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter it evenly over the pizza.

  5. Season: Sprinkle with salt to taste, and drizzle with a little olive oil.

  6. Bake the pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the mozzarella is bubbling and slightly browned.

  7. Add fresh basil: Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves.

  8. Serve and enjoy: Slice and serve hot!

Notes

  • If you have a pizza stone, it will give you a crispier crust, but you can also bake the pizza directly on a baking sheet.

  • For the best results, use fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded mozzarella.

  • You can drizzle some more olive oil or sprinkle a bit of parmesan cheese if you prefer a richer flavor.

  •  
  • Author: Aleida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (if using store-bought dough) 30 minutes (if making homemade dough)
  • Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
  • Category: Pizza, Italian, Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)
  • Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per slice (depending on the dough and cheese used)
  • Sugar: 3g (from tomatoes)
  • Sodium: 300-350mg per slice
  • Fat: 12g per slice
  • Saturated Fat: 6g per slice
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g per slice
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g per slice
  • Fiber: 2g per slice
  • Protein: 10g per slice
  • Cholesterol: 25mg per slice

Keywords: Margherita pizza, Neapolitan pizza, classic Italian pizza, homemade pizza, pizza recipe, mozzarella, basil, Italian cuisine