Authentic Italian Margherita Pizza Recipe: A Simple and Timeless Classic

The Margherita Pizza is a culinary symbol of Italy, originating from Naples in the late 19th century. Legend has it that it was named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who loved its vibrant combination of red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil—echoing the colors of the Italian flag. Despite its simplicity, a perfect Margherita Pizza requires care and quality ingredients. The result is a light yet flavorful dish that showcases the elegance of Italian cooking.

Ingredients (for one 12-inch pizza):

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

• 1/2 cup tomato sauce (San Marzano tomatoes preferred)

• 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 5–6 fresh basil leaves

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• A pinch of sea salt

• A pinch of dried oregano (optional)

• All-purpose flour (for dusting)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Set your oven to the highest temperature it can reach—ideally around 500°F (260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven as it preheats for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Dough:
   Lightly flour a clean surface and stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Be gentle to preserve air bubbles in the dough, which create a beautiful crust when baked.

3. Add the Sauce:
   Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Avoid using too much sauce; the key is balance.

4. Add the Cheese:
   Tear or slice the mozzarella into pieces and distribute them over the sauce. Use enough to cover the pizza but leave space between the pieces so the cheese melts evenly.

5. Bake the Pizza:
   Transfer the pizza to a baking tray or pizza peel, then into the hot oven or onto the pizza stone. Bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden, and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.

6. Add Basil and Olive Oil:
   Once the pizza is out of the oven, place fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. You may also add a light sprinkle of oregano if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the pizza hot with a crisp arugula salad and a glass of Italian red wine. This pizza shines as a main course but can also be sliced into smaller pieces as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings.