Margherita Pizza (25 Minutes)

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This recipe combines a thin and crispy crust with a vibrant tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and aromatic basil leaves. The Margherita Pizza pays homage to Queen Margherita of Italy and features the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white cheese, and green basil. With a burst of flavors and textures, this homemade pizza will transport you to the heart of Italy’s culinary heritage. Let’s begin!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pre-made pizza crust (thin or regular)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven according to the pizza crust package instructions.
  2. Place the pre-made pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
  3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Arrange the sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
  5. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Once the pizza is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute.
  7. Garnish the Margherita Pizza with fresh basil leaves.
  8. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pizza, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Whenever possible, use high-quality ingredients, as they play a significant role in the flavor of the final product. Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese and ripe, juicy tomatoes for the sauce. Do be sure to preheat your oven properly to ensure a crispy crust. Also, avoid overloading the pizza with toppings to allow the simplicity of the Margherita to shine through. This classic pizza pairs well with a side salad or a glass of chilled Italian wine. Happy eating!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Pair this with...

Greek Side Salad

Start with a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, torn into bite-sized pieces. Slice ripe tomatoes and cool cucumbers, adding them to the mix for a burst of juiciness. Slice a red onion for a hint of sharpness, its purplish hue adding depth to the color palette. Thinly slice a yellow bell pepper, its sunny disposition brightening the dish both in flavor and appearance. Scatter in glossy black olives and top your salad with crumbles of creamy feta cheese, its tangy richness a counterpoint to the salad’s crispness. For dressing, a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and perhaps a dash of oregano perfectly complements the ensemble.

Marinated Artichokes

Start with fresh artichoke hearts. If you're using whole artichokes, trim away the outer leaves and steam until tender, then scoop out the inner fuzzy choke, leaving just the tender heart. For the marinade, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, a pinch of dried oregano (or fresh herbs if you have them), salt, and pepper. Add a little red pepper flake if you're in the mood for some heat. Immerse the artichoke hearts in this marinade and let them soak in all that zesty goodness for a few hours, or overnight for even more flavor. Before serving, top with fresh parsley or other fresh herbs.

Homemade Marinara

Kick things off with some ripe, juicy tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano are excellent choices. In a large pot, sauté finely diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil until they're translucent. As they soften, they'll lay the aromatic foundation for your sauce. Next, add in the tomatoes, either crushed or finely diced, depending on your texture preference. To elevate the flavors, toss in some seasonings: salt, pepper, and maybe a bit of sugar to balance the acidity. Herbs like basil, oregano, and a bay leaf can be added to infuse the sauce with earthy notes. Let everything simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld. Over time, the sauce will thicken and develop a rich, robust character. Once you're happy with its consistency and taste, remove it from the heat.

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