Warm up this winter with these 17 easy Margherita pizza recipes, perfect for cozy nights at home. Discover simple and delicious ways to enjoy this classic favorite.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- In a food processor, blend canned tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth.
- Dust a baking sheet with cornmeal.
- Stretch the pizza dough into a large oval and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread about ½ cup of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Add fresh mozzarella slices on top of the sauce.
- Bake in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the pizza from the oven and top with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes.
- Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
- Slice and serve the pizza.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough
- Canned whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Cornmeal (for dusting the baking sheet)
FAQ
- What is Margherita Pizza?
- Margherita pizza originates from Naples, Italy, and is known for its simple yet flavorful toppings: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves. The combination of these ingredients represents the colors of the Italian flag.
- What ingredients are essential for making Margherita Pizza?
- The key ingredients for Margherita Pizza include pizza dough, canned whole tomatoes (preferably San Marzano), fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and extra-virgin olive oil. Using high-quality ingredients will enhance the pizza’s flavor.
- How do you prepare the tomato sauce for Margherita Pizza?
- To prepare the tomato sauce, blend canned tomatoes, their juices, olive oil, garlic, and salt in a food processor until smooth. This no-cook sauce is simple to make and adds a rich flavor to the pizza.
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?
- Yes, store-bought fresh pizza dough can be used for this Margherita Pizza recipe. However, making your own dough can result in a chewier and more flavorful crust.
- How should I bake Margherita Pizza?
- Preheat the oven to 500°F. After preparing the dough and toppings, bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese melts and the crust turns golden brown. Add fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- What can I serve alongside Margherita Pizza?
- Margherita Pizza pairs well with various salads, such as an Italian Chopped Salad, Simple Green Salad, or Arugula Salad, to complement its fresh flavors.
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for fresh basil, mozzarella, and San Marzano tomatoes to enhance the flavor of this simple dish. The quality of each component truly makes a difference in the final taste.
- Prepare extra sauce: Make more tomato sauce than you need and store the leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Consider freezing small portions, so you can easily thaw just enough for future pizzas.
- Bake at a high temperature: Preheat your oven to 500°F and bake the pizza for 10 to 12 minutes. This will ensure a perfectly browned crust and melted cheese.
- Add basil after baking: Sprinkle fresh basil over the pizza once it’s out of the oven to preserve its vibrant flavor and prevent it from wilting.
Are these Margherita pizza recipes truly easy for beginners or just for experienced cooks? Share your thoughts! 🍕🤔
Who has time for 17 pizza recipes? Just give me the best one and call it a day! Quality over quantity, am I right?
Who actually has time to make pizza in winter? Just order takeout and save yourself the trouble!
I dont know about you, but I think adding pineapple to a Margherita pizza could be a game-changer. Whos with me? 🍍🍕
Im not convinced that all 17 recipes are truly easy. Some seem pretty complex for a casual pizza night!