Pizza Margherita

Pizza Margherita: Simple, Balanced, and Just Right
Pizza Margherita is where it all begins. There are no extras, just a few main ingredients that do all the work. It looks simple, but that’s what makes it tricky. When it’s made well, you can tell immediately.
The tomato brings a bright, tangy base—especially when you use San Marzano tomatoes, prized for their natural sweetness and richness. Fresh buffalo mozzarella melts into something rich but still light, offering a clean, milky flavor you can’t get from any other cheese. Basil adds a fresh aroma at the finish. As it bakes, the crust puffs up and gets charred at the edges, creating a balance between crispness and chewiness that makes the whole experience.
There’s nowhere to hide. Every detail stands out, from the quality of the ingredients to the way the dough is handled. For example, gently stretching the dough by hand helps keep the crumb airy while preserving that soft, chewy structure. The result feels honest. Nothing is forced or extra; everything is just right.
Margherita doesn’t try to impress. It stands out because its simplicity and balance are clear.
I still remember the first time I tried a true Margherita in Naples, sitting at a small café with the smell of fresh basil drifting from the oven. The first bite was all about the pure flavors—bright tomato, creamy cheese, that hint of char on the crust. Since then, every time I taste a well-made Margherita, it brings me back to that moment and reminds me how the simplest things can be the most memorable.

Category, , DifficultyIntermediate

 

Yields2 Servings
Prep Time2 hrsCook Time10 minsTotal Time2 hrs 10 mins

Dough:
 2 1/4 cups (325g) all-purpose flour (or 00 flour for a more authentic texture)
 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Toppings:
 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes, crushed)
 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
 Fresh basil leaves
 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
 Salt to taste
 Freshly ground black pepper

1

Prepare the Dough: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

2

Preheat the Oven: If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven. Preheat your oven to its highest temperature (450-500°F or 230-260°C) for at least 30 minutes.

3

Shape the Pizza: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide it into 2 balls for two pizzas. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out one dough ball into a thin circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper.

4

Add the Toppings: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute slices of mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

5

Bake the Pizza: Transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) to the preheated oven or pizza stone. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. Carefully remove the pizza from the oven, and immediately garnish with fresh basil leaves.

6

Serve: Drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil if desired. Slice and serve hot.

Ingredients

Dough:
 2 1/4 cups (325g) all-purpose flour (or 00 flour for a more authentic texture)
 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Toppings:
 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce (preferably San Marzano tomatoes, crushed)
 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
 Fresh basil leaves
 Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
 Salt to taste
 Freshly ground black pepper
Pizza Margherita

Perfect Wine Pairing:

A classic Pizza Margherita pairs beautifully with a light to medium-bodied Italian red wine, such as a Chianti or a Sangiovese. These wines have the acidity to match the tomato sauce and the subtlety not to overwhelm the fresh flavors of the mozzarella and basil. For a white wine option, consider a crisp Pinot Grigio, which complements the light and fresh characteristics of the pizza.

Explore more in our

Italian Pizza Recipes guide
.

Author

  • Alberto is a Calgary-based hospitality professional and the founder of OvenSource. His background is rooted in restaurant operations, guest experience, and concept-driven dining, with years spent working closely inside hospitality environments where food, service, and atmosphere all matter equally.

    Through OvenSource, he brings together practical restaurant insight, a traveler’s perspective, and a deep personal interest in how food connects people to memory and place.

    View all posts Founder & Editor

Leave A Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *