Easy Margherita Pizza is the perfect blend of simplicity and authentic Italian flavor. When people search for this classic recipe, they want clear steps, high-quality ingredients, and results that taste just like their favorite pizzeria. This version delivers exactly that.
Lucia’s Margherita pizza starts with a crisp golden crust, rich San Marzano tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella that melts beautifully. It is a recipe built for real life. You can use store-bought dough, skip the pizza stone, and still enjoy an incredibly satisfying meal.
Whether it is a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend cooking session, this pizza brings warmth, tradition, and ease to your kitchen. Now let’s begin with what makes this recipe truly special.
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Easy Margherita Pizza: A Sensational Slice of Old-World Comfort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
Description
This Easy Margherita Pizza brings authentic Italian flavor to your kitchen in under 40 minutes using simple ingredients and no special tools.
Ingredients
1 batch homemade pizza dough or 1 lb store-bought dough
1/2 cup canned San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
2 teaspoons olive oil
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
A handful of fresh basil leaves
All-purpose flour for dusting work surface
Semolina flour or cornmeal for dusting baking sheet
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the middle. Add a pizza stone if using and heat for at least 30 minutes.
2. Let pizza dough sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
3. Crush San Marzano tomatoes with olive oil and salt in a small bowl to create the no-cook sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
4. Dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour and stretch the dough into a round using fingertips.
5. Dust a baking sheet or pizza peel with semolina flour and transfer the shaped dough to it.
6. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Top with mozzarella and a few basil leaves.
8. Bake for 6 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
9. Remove from oven, top with additional basil, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent sogginess.
Preheat your baking sheet for a crispier crust if not using a stone.
Let dough rest if it resists stretching to relax the gluten.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan or drizzle of garlic oil before baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Traditional Pizza Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 158
- Sugar: 0.7g
- Sodium: 439mg
- Fat: 4.7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Protein: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 11.1mg
Keywords: easy margherita pizza, homemade pizza, traditional Italian pizza
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Margherita Pizza Recipe
- Quick and comforting
This pizza comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or impromptu cravings. - Full of authentic flavor
Made with real San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, it tastes like it was baked in a wood-fired oven. - Simple enough for beginners
No fancy tools needed. If you have a baking sheet and your own two hands, you’re ready to go. - Endlessly customizable
Prefer a thinner crust? Want to add garlic or a pinch of chili flakes? Go right ahead. This base is your blank canvas. - Brings people together
There’s something joyful about pizza night. This recipe turns an ordinary evening into a moment to savor.
Ingredients for Easy Margherita Pizza with Authentic Flavor
For the Dough
- 1 batch homemade pizza dough or 1 pound store-bought dough
(Room temperature dough is easier to shape and bakes more evenly.)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup canned San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
(Choose high-quality tomatoes for the best flavor. No need to cook them.) - 2 teaspoons olive oil
(Extra virgin is best, for that true Italian touch.) - Pinch of fine sea salt
(Adjust to taste after blending the tomatoes.)
For the Toppings
- 1 cup (about 57g) shredded whole milk mozzarella
(Low-moisture mozzarella melts best. If using fresh, pat it dry to avoid sogginess.) - A handful of fresh basil leaves
(Tear gently by hand for rustic charm and full flavor.)
For Assembly
- All-purpose flour, for dusting your work surface
- Semolina flour or cornmeal, for dusting the baking sheet or pizza peel
(Helps prevent sticking and adds a light crunch to the crust.)
How to Make Easy Margherita Pizza Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Set a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone or steel, place it inside to heat up. Let the oven warm for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
Tip: A hot oven creates that irresistible, bubbly crust.
2. Let the Dough Rest
If your dough has been in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape.
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes with a fork or clean hands. Stir in olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Taste and adjust if needed. No cooking required.
Tip: Keep it simple. The raw tomato flavor bakes beautifully in the oven.
4. Shape the Dough
Lightly dust a clean surface with all-purpose flour. Gently press and stretch the dough into a round shape, working from the center outward with your fingertips.
Avoid a rolling pin. It pushes out all the lovely air bubbles that create a light, airy crust.
5. Assemble the Pizza
Dust your pizza peel or baking sheet with semolina flour to prevent sticking. Transfer the dough to your pan.
Spread a thin layer of sauce, leaving a small border around the edge. Scatter the mozzarella evenly and add a few fresh basil leaves.
6. Bake
Place the pizza in the hot oven and bake for 6 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven.
You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbling, slightly browned cheese.
Tip: Keep an eye on it toward the end it can go from perfect to too-dark in a flash.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and add a few more fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. Let the pizza rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately.
Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Margherita Pizza Lovers
How to Serve
This Easy Margherita Pizza shines beautifully on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a rustic Italian chopped salad. Add a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for the full trattoria experience.
Tip: Slice it into squares for sharing, or serve whole for a personal pie moment.
How to Store Leftovers
Let the pizza cool completely before storing. Place slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best texture, separate layers with parchment paper.
How to Reheat
Skip the microwave, which can make the crust rubbery. Instead:
- In a skillet: Warm slices over medium heat for a few minutes until the bottom is crisp and the cheese is melty.
- In an air fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- In the oven: Use a low 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Tip: Always reheat uncovered to keep the crust crisp.
Helpful Notes for Easy Margherita Pizza Success
Use a Hot Oven
A well-heated oven is the secret to a golden, bubbly crust. Start at 450°F for great results. If your oven allows it, try 500°F or even 550°F for an even crispier finish. Keep a close eye as the baking time will be shorter.
Let the Dough Rest if It Resists
If your dough keeps shrinking as you stretch it, stop and let it rest for about five to ten minutes. This gives the gluten time to relax, making it much easier to shape without tearing.
Choose the Right Cheese
Low-moisture mozzarella melts beautifully and gives you those lovely golden spots. If using fresh mozzarella, slice it and place the pieces on a paper towel for fifteen to twenty minutes to absorb excess moisture before adding it to your pizza.
Add a Flavor Boost
To deepen the flavor, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan before baking or drizzle with olive oil infused with garlic. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
Make It Personal
This pizza is wonderfully adaptable. Add your favorite toppings like roasted vegetables, sliced olives, or a handful of arugula after baking. You can also use a gluten-free dough or a whole wheat option to suit your preferences.
The best recipes, according to Nonna, are the ones that make your family smile around the table.
Easy Margherita Pizza FAQs with Surprising Solutions
How do I prevent my Easy Margherita Pizza from getting soggy?
The two most common causes of sogginess are too much sauce and overly wet cheese. Use a thin layer of tomato sauce and, if using fresh mozzarella, slice it and pat it dry with paper towels. Low-moisture mozzarella is a great choice to avoid excess water.
Can I make Easy Margherita Pizza without a pizza stone?
Yes, you absolutely can. This recipe works beautifully on a regular baking sheet. For a crispier bottom, try preheating the baking sheet in the oven before placing your dough on it. A cast iron skillet also makes a fantastic alternative.
What can I use instead of San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce?
If San Marzano tomatoes are unavailable, use a can of high-quality whole peeled plum tomatoes. Look for brands that are grown in Italy or labeled as imported for the best flavor and texture.
Is this Easy Margherita Pizza freezer-friendly?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the dough or even a fully baked pizza. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. To reheat, place it directly on a baking sheet in a hot oven until warmed through.
How do I keep the crust soft but still golden?
Brush the crust edge with a bit of olive oil before baking. This helps it develop a soft bite with a beautiful golden color. Avoid overbaking to keep it tender in the center.
Conclusion: Why This Easy Margherita Pizza Changes Everything
This Easy Margherita Pizza is the kind of recipe that brings generations together around the table. It is quick, full of flavor, and flexible enough to suit whatever time or ingredients you have on hand. Whether you are using store-bought dough or shaping your own by hand, this pizza always delivers a little taste of home.
For more cozy Italian favorites, try our Easy Air Fryer Cannoli for dessert or explore a bold twist with our Supreme Pizza Recipe next pizza night.
If you make this recipe, we would love to see it. Tag us on Pinterest or Facebook and share your delicious results with our Nonna’s Dishes family.
Now go feed someone you love, and remember to save a slice for yourself.
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