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Margherita Pizza Recipe


There’s something timeless and beautiful about a Margherita Pizza — a simple trio of fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes, cooked on a crisp, blistered crust. Originally crafted in Naples to represent the Italian flag (green, white, and red), this pizza remains an icon of authenticity and flavor.

Whether you’re baking it in a wood-fired oven, on a pizza stone, or in your home oven, this Neapolitan classic proves that less is more when it comes to great pizza.


🕐 Prep & Cook Time

  1. Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–24 hrs dough rise)
  2. Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes (in wood-fired oven)
  3. Total Time: ~1.5 hours (with fast dough) or overnight for best results
  4. Serves: 2–3 (makes one 12-inch pizza)

🛒 Ingredients

🍞 For the Dough (Neapolitan style):

  1. 2¼ cups (280g) '00' flour or bread flour
  2. ¾ tsp salt
  3. ½ tsp instant yeast
  4. ¾ cup (180ml) lukewarm water
  5. 1 tsp olive oil
🧠 Tip: For best results, cold ferment dough in the fridge for 24 hours.

🍅 For the Toppings:

  1. ⅓ cup San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand or pureed)
  2. 150g fresh mozzarella (preferably Fior di Latte or Buffalo Mozzarella)
  3. 5–6 fresh basil leaves
  4. 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  5. Pinch of sea salt
  6. Optional: a sprinkle of Parmesan after baking


🔥 Wood-Fired Oven Setup

If using a wood-fired oven, preheat to 800°F (425°C).

For home ovens, preheat to 500°F (260°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least 45 minutes before baking.


👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔹 Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Slowly add water and stir until a rough dough forms.
  3. Add olive oil and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours (or cold ferment overnight).
🧑‍🍳 Shortcut: Use store-bought pizza dough if needed, but homemade always wins!

🔹 Step 2: Shape the Dough

  1. Lightly flour your counter.
  2. Stretch or gently press the dough into a 12-inch circle, leaving the edges slightly thicker.
  3. Transfer to a pizza peel or parchment paper if baking in the oven.
❗ Avoid using a rolling pin — hand-stretching keeps air bubbles in the crust.

🔹 Step 3: Add Toppings

  1. Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes on the base.
  2. Tear mozzarella into chunks and place evenly across the surface.
  3. Add a few whole basil leaves.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt.

🔹 Step 4: Bake It!

  1. In a wood-fired oven: Slide the pizza in and rotate every 30 seconds. Cook for 90–120 seconds until crust is blistered and cheese is bubbly.
  2. In a home oven with pizza stone: Bake for 7–9 minutes or until crust is golden and cheese is melted.

🔹 Step 5: Finish & Serve

  1. Once baked, add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
  3. Slice and serve hot!


🧂 Flavor Tips

TipWhy It Helps
Use '00' flourGives light, airy crust perfect for high heat
San Marzano tomatoesBalanced sweetness and acidity – the real deal
Fresh mozzarellaMelts beautifully without becoming rubbery
Minimal toppingsAvoids soggy crust — simplicity is key


🍷 What to Serve With Margherita Pizza

  1. A light salad with arugula and lemon vinaigrette
  2. A glass of Chianti or light-bodied red wine
  3. Sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic pairing


📦 Storage & Reheating

  1. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  2. Reheat on a skillet or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5–7 minutes for best texture.
  3. Avoid microwave reheating — it softens the crust.


💬 Final Thoughts

Margherita Pizza isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration of Italian simplicity, made with the freshest ingredients, a touch of technique, and lots of heart. When baked in a wood-fired oven or on a blazing hot stone, the result is nothing short of magic: blistered crust, molten cheese, and fresh basil dancing with tomato sweetness.

Whether you're a pizza purist or a casual home chef, this recipe brings you as close to Naples as your kitchen will allow.


📸 Share Your Slice!

Tried this recipe? Show us your pie by tagging #MargheritaMagic or #MyNeapolitanPizza on Instagram — we’d love to feature you!

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