Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the classic flavors of Italy with this Homemade Margherita Pizza recipe. Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella come together on a buttery crust with a flavorful homemade pizza sauce. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any pizza night.

Ingredients

• 1 Pizza Crust (I like Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough)
• 1 ¾ cup (about 8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 Roma Tomatoes, cut into thin round slices
• 10 Large Basil Leaves
• ½ cup Pizza Sauce (recipe below)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

For the Pizza Sauce:

• 6 oz tomato paste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ tsp oregano
• ¾ tsp rosemary
• ½ tsp ground sage
• ¼ tsp marjoram
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Sauce by whisking together tomato paste, olive oil, and water in a medium bowl until smooth. Add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt, then stir well to combine. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.
3. Step 3: If using frozen dough, thaw according to package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your preferred thickness.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased pizza pan or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the dough, including the edges.
5. Step 5: Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the buttered dough, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.
7. Step 7: Arrange the tomato slices evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
8. Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly with some light browning.
9. Step 9: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing to allow the cheese to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
• For a crispier crust, bake the pizza on a preheated pizza stone.
• Add a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes after baking for extra flavor.
• Substitute the Roma tomatoes with heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful presentation.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by placing slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp. Avoid microwaving to maintain crust texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought pizza sauce works well if you’re short on time. However, making your own sauce adds fresh herbs and a personalized flavor that really enhances the pizza.

What is the best way to prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Brushing the dough with melted butter before adding sauce helps seal it and keeps the crust crisp. Also, avoid overloading with sauce and toppings, and bake at a high temperature for a shorter time.

Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 100 reviews

This homemade Margherita pizza recipe features a crisp thin crust topped with a flavorful homemade herb-infused pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, fresh Roma tomato slices, parmesan cheese, and fragrant basil leaves. Perfectly baked to achieve a golden crust and bubbly cheese, this classic Italian favorite is simple to prepare and ideal for a delicious dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 1 large 12-inch pizza (serves 2-3) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza

• 1 Pizza Crust (Tiseo’s Frozen Pizza Dough recommended)
• 1 ¾ cup (about 8 oz) Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 Roma Tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 10 Large Basil Leaves
• ½ cup Pizza Sauce (see below)
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Pizza Sauce

• 6 oz tomato paste
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 ½ tsp oregano
• ¾ tsp rosemary
• ½ tsp ground sage
• ¼ tsp marjoram
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pizza Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato paste, olive oil, and water until smooth and well combined. Then add oregano, rosemary, ground sage, marjoram, and salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all herbs. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the pizza base.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to heat thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Dough: If using frozen pizza dough, thaw according to the package instructions. On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch the dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough onto a greased pizza pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Butter the Dough: Melt the butter and brush it evenly over the entire surface of the dough, including the edges, to enhance browning and add richness.
5. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread the prepared pizza sauce evenly over the buttered dough, leaving about a 1-inch border for the crust. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce. Arrange the thin tomato slices over the cheese, distributing them evenly. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the entire pizza.
6. Bake the Pizza: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned in spots.
7. Add Basil and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh basil leaves. Allow the pizza to cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing so the cheese sets slightly.

Notes

• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisper crust but is optional.
• Adjust the amount of herbs in the sauce to taste for preferred flavor intensity.
• Fresh basil is added after baking to preserve its bright color and flavor.
• Letting the pizza rest before slicing prevents the toppings from sliding.

Keywords: Margherita pizza, homemade pizza, Italian pizza recipe, pizza sauce, mozzarella pizza, fresh basil pizza