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Homemade Margherita Pizza 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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