Get your aprons ready for the best Margherita Pizza you’ll ever make at home!
You know that oh-so-amazing feeling when you bite into a delicious slice of pizza? That feeling that gets you to shut your eyes for a sec, lost in pizzaland? Well, get ready to feel it every time you sink your teeth into the easiest Margherita pizza recipe you could ever whip up at home.
This recipe came about one typical Friday night. I was over the idea of ordering takeout, so I went digging through some old cookbooks, put on my apron, and voilà; this culinary winner came to life.
I’ve experimented with all kinds of pizza recipes before, some simple and some a bit more out there. But sometimes simplicity wins out. And once you learn how foolproof it is to whip up a homemade pie that rivals your favorite delivery spot, your typical pizza night is going to get seriously leveled up.
Is Margherita Pizza Healthy?
Pizza is pizza at the end of the day, and usually, that means it’s best to enjoy it in moderation. If you’re using all homemade and/or organic ingredients, you’ll certainly have more control over the wholesome nature of your pie. Namely, the pizza dough itself tends to be heavy in calories and carbs (though there are lower-carb alternatives out there!).
Mozzarella cheese is rich in calcium and protein, and it actually has relatively less fat compared to other types of cheese. The olive oil contains heart-healthy fats, and the canned tomatoes are full of vitamin C and lycopene. Overall, this is a recipe that has healthy qualities but wouldn’t be considered a health food.
Less Is Sometimes More
Margherita pizza is the perfect example of how a simple, minimalist recipe can be an exceptional dish. With just a handful of ingredients, this pizza relies mainly on the quality of each component you add to it. Things like a well-made dough, high-quality mozzarella, and fresh basil all work together to create a harmony of tastes that are simple yet incredibly flavorful. It’s a welcome reminder that sometimes the best meals don’t need a long list of ingredients or any special know-how. It just takes some thoughtful choices and a little love.
How To Make Ahead And Store
If you need to make your pizza dough in advance, go for it. Pop it in the fridge if you’ll use it within 3 days, or chuck it in the freezer if you need it to last longer. Any leftover pizza can be boxed up in a sealed container and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to dine once more, bake the slices at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to tackle making your own dough, try this simple Homemade Pizza Dough recipe or, for a lighter take, this Sweet Potato Pizza Crust. A slice of fresh-cooked Margherita pizza pairs beautifully with an Orzo Salad or Caprese Salad on the side to add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, melted cheese. Top it off with a cold glass of your favorite white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon, and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember!
Ingredients
- pizza dough homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 can whole tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella
- handful fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a rack in the upper third of the oven. Prepare the pizza dough of your choice.
- Pour the canned tomatoes in a large bowl and crush them. Season the tomatoes with the olive oil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the pizza, leaving about 1 inch bare around the edges.
- Drain the mozzarella from the water and gently pat dry with paper towels. Slice the mozzarella into 1-inch-thick slices and place them over the tomato sauce.
- Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.
- Top the pizza with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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