Top 5 Margherita Pizza Recipes You Must Try

Margherita pizza is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. Simple yet delicious, it’s a favorite among pizza lovers around the world. In this post, we’ll share five must-try Margherita pizza recipes, each with its own unique twist. Whether you’re a pizza-making novice or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to impress.
For more tips on making the perfect pizza, check out our ultimate pizza-making guide.

1. Classic Margherita Pizza

The classic Margherita pizza is the perfect introduction to this iconic dish. With its simple ingredients and traditional preparation, it’s a recipe that never fails to deliver.

Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball (store-bought or homemade)
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup (preferably made with San Marzano tomatoes*)
• Fresh Mozzarella: 1 cup, sliced
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Sea Salt: To taste

*For more information on why San Marzano tomatoes are preferred, read this detailed guide.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until it’s about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Top with Cheese: Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
5. Bake the Pizza: Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
6. Finish with Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste.

Tips:

• Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor in your tomato sauce.
• Preheat your pizza stone for a crispier crust.
• Tear the basil leaves rather than cutting them to release their aromatic oils.

2. Margherita Pizza with a Garlic Twist

Adding garlic to a Margherita pizza elevates its flavor profile and adds a delightful aroma. This variation is perfect for garlic lovers.

Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
• Fresh Mozzarella: 1 cup, sliced
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Sea Salt: To taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Heat the pizza stone if using.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough.
4. Top with Cheese and Garlic: Arrange the mozzarella slices and sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the pizza.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Finish with Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt.

Tips:

• Roast the garlic before adding it to the pizza for a sweeter, milder flavor.
• Brush the crust with garlic-infused olive oil for an extra garlic kick.

3. Margherita Pizza with a Whole Wheat Crust

For a healthier option, try making Margherita pizza with a whole wheat crust. This variation offers a nutty flavor and additional nutrients.

Ingredients:

• Whole Wheat Pizza Dough: 1 ball (store-bought or homemade*)
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
• Fresh Mozzarella: 1 cup, sliced
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Sea Salt: To taste

*Want to make your own whole wheat dough? Try this homemade whole wheat pizza dough recipe

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pizza stone in the oven to heat.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the whole wheat dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough.
4. Top with Cheese: Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
6. Finish with Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with olive oil. Season with sea salt to taste.

Tips:

• Make your own whole wheat dough for the best flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of sugar to the dough to balance the whole wheat flavor.

4. Margherita Pizza with Balsamic Glaze

Adding a balsamic glaze to a Margherita pizza gives it a sweet and tangy twist that complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
• Fresh Mozzarella: 1 cup, sliced
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Balsamic Vinegar: 1/2 cup
• Sea Salt: To taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the balsamic vinegar over medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half, creating a thick glaze. Set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Heat the pizza stone if using.
3. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
4. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough.
5. Top with Cheese: Arrange the mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
6. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
7. Finish with Basil, Olive Oil, and Balsamic Glaze: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the pizza just before serving.

Tips:

• Reduce the balsamic vinegar slowly to avoid burning it.
• Store leftover balsamic glaze in the refrigerator for future use on salads or other dishes.

5. Vegan Margherita Pizza

For those following a plant-based diet, this vegan Margherita pizza uses dairy-free cheese and still delivers all the classic flavors.

Ingredients:

• Pizza Dough: 1 ball
• Tomato Sauce: 1 cup
• Dairy-Free Mozzarella: 1 cup, shredded
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
• Sea Salt: To taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place the pizza stone in the oven to heat.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a pizza peel or baking sheet.
3. Add the Sauce: Spread the tomato sauce over the dough.
4. Top with Cheese: Arrange the dairy-free mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
5. Bake the Pizza: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Finish with Basil and Olive Oil: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and season with sea salt.

Tips:

• Choose high-quality dairy-free mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
• Add nutritional yeast to the tomato sauce for a cheesy flavor boost.

Conclusion

Margherita pizza is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the classic version or like to experiment with new flavors, these recipes offer something for everyone. Try them out and discover your favorite Margherita pizza variation. Happy cooking!

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