Classic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza

If you’re craving real Italian flavor, this classic neapolitan margherita pizza recipe delivers it without unnecessary fuss. Here’s everything you need to make it right at home.

Margherita Pizza is the simplest and most iconic Neapolitan pizza, topped with just crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a thin, chewy crust baked until blistered.

Ready in about 102 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 10 everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of Italian dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Why this recipe works:

• A properly proofed dough gives that thin, chewy, blistered crust real pizzerias are known for.
• Just three toppings — crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil — let each one actually taste like something.
• Working with yeasted dough and a very hot oven makes this intermediate, with a total time of about 102 minutes.
• Makes 4 servings, perfect for a homemade pizza night.

Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately while hot, sliced into wedges, with red pepper flakes on the side.

Classic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza

Margherita Pizza is the simplest and most iconic Neapolitan pizza, topped with just crushed tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a thin, chewy crust baked until blistered. Ready in about 102 minutes from start to finish, this intermediate-friendly recipe makes 4 servings and comes together with 10 everyday ingredients. It's the kind of Italian dish worth putting into regular rotation.

Tasty

Author: Admin Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Nut Free V Vegetarian

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Prep Time 90 mins Cook Time 12 mins Total Time 1 hr 42 mins Difficulty: Intermediate Cooking Temp: 500  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 9 Calories: 310 Best Season: Available Dietary:

V Vegetarian

Ingredients:

Servings

• 2.5 cups flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella torn
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil for drizzling
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Before you start, gather and prep all 10 ingredients listed above - wash, chop, measure, and have everything within reach.
2. Combine flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add olive oil and warm water, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.
6. Preheat the oven to its highest setting (usually 500F) with a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet inside.
7. Punch down the dough and stretch it into a round, thin crust on a floured surface or pizza peel.
8. Spread crushed tomatoes over the crust, leaving a border.
9. Top with torn mozzarella.
10. Slide onto the hot stone and bake for 8-12 minutes until the crust is blistered and golden.
11. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, acid, or spice as needed before serving.
12. Top with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
13. Garnish as desired and serve promptly for the best texture and flavor from your Classic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 310kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Cholesterol 30mg10%

Sodium 520mg22%

Total Carbohydrate 38g13%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 3g

Protein 13g26%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

A pizza stone or steel preheated for at least 45 minutes makes a big difference in getting a properly crisp, blistered crust at home. Check doneness a few minutes before the recipe says to, since oven temperatures vary - a few minutes can be the difference between perfect and overdone.

Keywords: margherita pizza recipe, classic italian pizza, homemade pizza dough, neapolitan pizza