Pizza always makes a bad day feel better, and there’s nothing nicer than a perfect slice of margherita pizza. Now you can make this recipe at home any time the craving strikes! Pizza margherita, as the Italians call it, is a simple pizza hailing from Naples. When done right, margherita pizza features a bubbly crust, crushed San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. That is all.
Sure, you could add some tomato if you’d like, but only if the tomato is truly ripe, red and worthy. Authentic Neapolitan pizza margherita doesn’t require fresh tomato. Try making this pizza as written, and you won’t miss the tomato on top. Sometimes less is more. This pizza is simple, fresh and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It’s a delight to make and even better to eat. How about pizza tonight?
Watch How to Make Margherita Pizza
Pizza Margherita Ingredients
Pizza Dough
As usual, I used my go-to whole wheat pizza dough. When made with white whole wheat flour, it doesn’t even taste like whole wheat! In a hurry? This pizza will work with one pound of store-bought dough as well.
San Marzano Tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are a special variety of plum tomato originating from the San Marzano region near Naples, Italy. San Marzano tomatoes are tender and rich in flavor. Even the tomato sauce inside the can is thicker than most other whole canned tomatoes. They are special. San Marzano tomatoes are the traditional choice for pizza margherita and yield the perfect sauce. Simply pour the whole can into a bowl and crush the tomatoes by hand before using.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls
Look for mozzarella balls packed in water, rather than vacuum-sealed. Water-packed mozzarella is superior in flavor and texture; vacuum-sealed mozzarella can taste rubbery. Ovoline mozzarella balls are my favorite for pizza margherita since they are the perfect size (about 1-inch in diameter). Larger or smaller mozzarella balls will work, too. Just tear them into smaller pieces as necessary. Whole Foods offers water-packed ovoline mozzarella, and one container is the perfect amount for two pizzas (12 ounces dry weight). Bocconcini mozzarella balls work well, too.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is absolutely essential. Once the pizza is out of the oven, sprinkle a handful of finely sliced basil on each pizza. I like to add a few small basil leaves for accents, too. Cute!
Olive Oil & Salt
Margherita pizza is not complete without a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Be careful as you pour so you don’t accidentally overdo it. Lastly, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or kosher salt. Our sauce doesn’t contain any added salt, so a light sprinkle of salt helps bring out the best flavors in this pizza.
What to Serve with Margherita Pizza
Basil Pesto Salad Dressing: Perfect on any summery green salad. Italian Chopped Salad: My top pick! Layered Panzanella: More tomato and mozzarella goodness, in salad form. Parmesan Roasted Broccoli with Balsamic Drizzle: This broccoli is completely irresistible. Perfect Roasted Asparagus: Quick and easy.
More Homemade Pizzas to Enjoy
Here are just a few of my favorite pizza recipes on the blog:
Arugula-Almond Pesto Pizza Broccolini Almond Pizza Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Balsamic Red Onions Greek Pizza Ultimate Veggie Pizza
Make it gluten free: Substitute your favorite homemade or store-bought pizza dough.
