Margherita Pizza
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Italian

Margherita Pizza

A classic Neapolitan-inspired pizza with a thin, blistered crust, bright tomato, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. High heat keeps the center tender while the edges turn crisp and fragrant.

37 min 2 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Combine the water and yeast in a bowl, then add the flour and 3 g of the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, and rest it for 10 minutes so the flour hydrates.
2
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 6 to 8 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Work in 5 ml of the olive oil, shape the dough into a ball, cover, and rest at room temperature for 60 to 90 minutes, until nearly doubled.
Smooth pizza dough risen in a bowl AI-generated image
3
Place a pizza stone or baking steel on an upper oven rack and heat the oven to its highest setting, ideally 250 to 280°C, for at least 45 minutes. Crush the drained tomatoes with the remaining salt and set the sauce aside.
4
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and stretch it gently into a 28 cm round, leaving a slightly thicker rim. Transfer it to a floured peel or sheet of baking paper, then spread the tomato sauce thinly over the center, leaving the rim bare.
5
Scatter the drained mozzarella over the sauce and drizzle with 5 ml of the remaining olive oil. Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or steel and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the rim is deeply puffed and blistered and the cheese is melted with a few browned spots.
Margherita pizza with a blistered crust and melted mozzarella AI-generated image
6
Transfer the pizza to a board and rest for 2 minutes. Tear the basil over the top, drizzle with the remaining 5 ml olive oil, slice, and serve while hot.

Why this recipe works

A restrained topping balance lets the dough and tomato shine: high heat blisters the crust, while mozzarella melts into creamy pockets and basil adds a fresh aromatic finish.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate leftover pizza in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool it promptly before storing.

How to reheat it

Reheat slices in a hot skillet over medium heat, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes until the base is crisp and the cheese is melted. Do not microwave if a crisp crust is desired.

Nutrition / serving

717kcal
35.21 gprotein
102.84 gcarbs
19.75 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 17 Aug 2026 · updated 17 Aug 2026