Traditional Gujarati Undhiyu Recipe
Make traditional Gujarati Undhiyu at home with mixed winter vegetables, flavorful coconut masala and delicious methi muthiya. Perfect for festivals and family meals.
View Recipe
Party Food
Make a classic Italian Margherita Pizza at home with a crispy homemade crust, rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil.
About
Margherita Pizza is one of the most famous Italian pizzas, known for its simple combination of pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. The colors of the toppings are commonly associated with the colors of the Italian flag.
This homemade version starts with a simple yeast pizza dough that is allowed to rise until soft and airy. The dough is then stretched into a thin base, topped lightly with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella, and baked at high heat until the crust becomes crisp and golden.
Fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil complete this classic Italian pizza. For the best result, use high heat and avoid adding too much sauce or cheese, which can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
360
Fat
13.00g
Carbs
48.00g
Protein
14.00g
Fiber
3.00g
Sugar
4.00g
Ingredients
16 Items
Scale to:
For the Pizza Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup warm water
For the Tomato Sauce
1 cup crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping
200 g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
8 to 10 fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Extra flour for dusting
Tags
margherita pizzaitalian pizzahomemade pizzamozzarella pizzatomato basil pizzaclassic pizza recipevegetarian pizza
Instructions
Follow along step-by-step.
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
1
Take a small bowl. Add warm water. Add sugar. Add active dry yeast. Mix gently. Leave the mixture for about 5 to 10 minutes. The yeast should become foamy. If the yeast does not become foamy, use fresh yeast and start again.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
2
Take a large mixing bowl. Add all-purpose flour. Add salt. Mix the dry ingredients. Make a space in the center. Pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add olive oil.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
3
Mix the ingredients using a spoon or your hands. Bring everything together to form a rough dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a small amount of water. If it feels extremely sticky, add a small amount of flour.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
4
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic. Avoid adding too much extra flour while kneading.
Step 5: Allow the Dough to Rise
5
Lightly grease a bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Keep it in a warm place for about 1 to 1½ hours. Allow the dough to rise until approximately doubled in size.
Step 6: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
6
Heat olive oil in a small pan. Add the minced garlic. Cook over low heat for a few seconds until fragrant. Do not brown the garlic.
Step 7: Cook the Tomato Sauce
7
Add crushed tomatoes to the pan. Add salt. Add dried oregano. Add black pepper. Mix well. Simmer over low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce should become slightly thick. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
8
Preheat your oven to its highest recommended pizza-baking temperature. If using a pizza stone, place it inside the oven while preheating. High heat helps create a crisp crust.
Step 9: Prepare the Pizza Base
9
Once the dough has risen, gently press it down. Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface. Stretch or roll the dough into a round pizza base. Keep the center relatively thin. Leave the outer edge slightly thicker to form the crust.
Step 10: Add the Tomato Sauce
10
Transfer the pizza base to a baking tray or pizza peel. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the surface. Leave a border around the edges. Do not use too much sauce.
Step 11: Add the Mozzarella
11
Place the fresh mozzarella slices evenly over the tomato sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pizza. A simple Margherita Pizza should have a balanced amount of sauce and cheese.
Step 12: Bake the Pizza
12
Place the pizza into the fully preheated oven. Bake until the crust becomes golden and crisp. The mozzarella should melt and develop light golden spots. Depending on the oven temperature, this may take approximately 8 to 15 minutes. Check the pizza carefully because baking times can vary.
Step 13: Add Fresh Basil
13
Remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to rest for 1 minute. Place fresh basil leaves on top. The residual heat will release the aroma of the basil.
Step 14: Add Olive Oil
14
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the finished pizza. Do not add too much oil.
Step 15: Slice and Serve
15
Transfer the pizza to a cutting board. Slice into equal pieces. Serve immediately while the crust is crisp and the mozzarella is hot and melted.
Notes & Tips
Cooking Tips:
Use warm water, not hot water, for activating the yeast.
Allow enough time for the dough to rise properly.
Preheat the oven thoroughly before baking.
Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier crust.
Do not overload the pizza with sauce or cheese.
Fresh mozzarella may release moisture, so drain excess liquid before using.
Bake at high heat for the best crust texture.
Add fresh basil after baking for a fresher flavor.
Storage:
Margherita Pizza tastes best when freshly baked.
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a hot oven or on a dry pan for a crispier crust.
Avoid microwaving for too long because the crust may become soft.
Serving:
Serve with a fresh green salad.
Serve with extra chili flakes.
Add freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Serve as a lunch, dinner or party food.
Pair with garlic bread or a light Italian soup.
Notes:
Margherita Pizza is known for its simple combination of tomato, mozzarella and basil.
Fresh ingredients make a significant difference to the final flavor.
The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated after the first rise.
For a more traditional-style pizza, bake it at the highest safe oven temperature.
Community Reviews
0.0
(0 reviews)
No reviews yet. Be the first to review this recipe!
Questions about this recipe
What is Margherita Pizza made of?
Margherita Pizza is traditionally made with pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and olive oil.
Why is my pizza crust not crispy?
The oven may not be hot enough, or too much sauce or cheese may have added excess moisture to the crust.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?
Yes. Regular mozzarella can be used, but fresh mozzarella gives a softer and more traditional texture.
Can I prepare the pizza dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator after rising.
How hot should the oven be for pizza?
Use the highest temperature recommended by your oven for pizza baking.
Should I add basil before or after baking?
Fresh basil is often added after baking for a fresh aroma and flavor.
You Might Also Like
See all
Classic Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas Recipe
Make delicious Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas at home with tortillas filled with beans, vegetables and cheese, baked in a rich homemade enchilada sauce.
View Recipe
Classic Thai Green Curry Recipe
Make creamy and aromatic Thai Green Curry at home with green curry paste, coconut milk, vegetables and fragrant Thai herbs.
View Recipe
Authentic Thai Vegetable Pad Thai Recipe
Make delicious Thai Vegetable Pad Thai at home with rice noodles, colorful vegetables, tofu, peanuts and a sweet, tangy and savory sauce.
View Recipe