Summary: Pizza Margherita – Italian pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, known for its simplicity and quality ingredients. Main ingredient: Pizza dough, technique: Baking at 450 °F, preparation time: 45 minutes, number of servings: 6.
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Category: Main Dishes, Italian Cuisine
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Quick overview
- Dish: Pizza Margherita
- Category: Main Dishes, Italian Cuisine
- Cuisine: Italian
- Main ingredient: Pizza dough, 3 cups (high-gluten flour)
- Guide: 12 Most Popular Mediterranean Dishes: Favorite Mediterranean Cuisine Recipes
- Total time: 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cooking)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Servings: 6 servings (Serving weight: 220 g)
- Key technique: High-heat baking and dough stretching
- Preparation types: Kneading, proofing, baking
- Dietary info & Allergens: Contains wheat, dairy (milk/mozzarella)
- Suitable for: Vegetarians, family dinner, pizza nights
- Nutritional values (per 1 serving): 320 kcal, Protein: 12.0 g, Fat: 10.5 g, Carbs: 42.0 g
- Storage: 2 days in the fridge, 1 months in the freezer
- Pairing: Sparkling water, Chianti wine, Lemonade
- In a nutshell: Classic Italian pizza featuring vibrant tomato sauce, fresh creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil baked to crisp perfection.
- Last updated: June 6, 2024
WAGUU says: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, especially when crafting an authentic Pizza Margherita with top-tier ingredients.”
How to take it further: Serve on a white 26 cm plate warmed to 40 °C, keep the full 26 cm plate in frame; place a glass of red wine, a linen napkin and fresh herbs in the softly blurred background.
Key facts
| Prep time: | 15 minutes |
| Cooking time: | 30 minutes |
| Temperature: | 450 °F |
| Number of servings: | 6 servings |
In a nutshell
Experience authentic Italian flavors right in your home kitchen with this ultimate Pizza Margherita recipe, emphasizing superior dough handling, rich crushed San Marzano tomatoes, pristine fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil leaves.
Ingredients
Base servings: 6 servings • Serving weight: 220 g
| Ingredient | Quantity | Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Pizza dough | 3 cups | High-gluten Italian flour |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | San Marzano crushed tomatoes |
| Mozzarella cheese | 8 oz | Fresh fior di latte mozzarella |
| Fresh basil leaves | 12 leaves | Fresh and vibrant |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
| Kosher salt | 1½ tsp | Fine grain sea salt |
| Active dry yeast | 1 tsp | Fresh activation |
| Warm water | 1 cup | Lukewarm temperature |
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Authentic Taste: Delivers true Neapolitan flavor profiles using classic, high-quality ingredients.
- Crispy Crust: Achieves the perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
- Quick Preparation: Streamlined process allowing homemade gourmet pizza in under an hour.
Success guaranteed: Follow the precise temperature guides and dough handling steps for flawless results every single time.
Recipe overview
Prep: 15 min | Cooking: 30 min | Difficulty: Intermediate | Servings: 6 | Type: Main Dish | Origin: Italy
Detailed instructions
Overall progress: 0% completed
Phase 1: Dough Preparation – 10 min
Appliances: Stand mixer
1. Combine warm water and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add high-gluten flour and kosher salt, then mix using a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment until a smooth dough forms.
CP: Dough should pull away cleanly from the sides of the bowl and feel elastic.
Before moving to the next step:
Ensure the water temperature is around 105–110 °F to avoid killing the yeast.
Phase 2: Dough Proofing – 15 min
Appliances: Oven
2. Shape the kneaded dough into a tight ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rest and proof in a warm area for 15 minutes.
CP: The dough ball should relax and slightly increase in volume.
Before moving to the next step:
Keep the dough covered securely so a dry skin does not form on the surface.
Phase 3: Sauce Preparation – 5 min
Appliances: Food processor
3. In a small bowl, lightly pulse or whisk the San Marzano crushed tomatoes with a pinch of kosher salt until smooth yet textured.
CP: Sauce should be vibrant red and retain a fresh, uncooked tomato aroma.
Before moving to the next step:
Do not over-blend the tomatoes; maintain a rich, chunky consistency.
Phase 4: Shaping and Assembly – 5 min
Appliances: Rolling pin
4. Stretch the rested dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch round disc. Spread an even layer of tomato sauce over the base, tear fresh mozzarella cheese into pieces, and distribute them evenly across the top.
CP: Maintain a uniform thickness across the crust with a slightly thicker outer rim.
Before moving to the next step:
Drain excess liquid from the fresh mozzarella to prevent a soggy pizza crust.
Phase 5: Baking – 10 min
Appliances: Oven
5. Preheat the oven to 450 °F with a pizza stone inside. Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the hot stone and bake for 10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
CP: Crust bottom should exhibit attractive char marks and crisp texture.
Before moving to the next step:
Ensure the pizza stone is fully preheated for at least 30 minutes prior to baking.
Phase 6: Garnish and Serving – 0 min
Appliances: None
6. Remove the pizza from the oven, immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, slice into portions, and serve hot.
CP: Basil leaves should wilt slightly from residual heat, releasing their aromatic oils.
Required equipment
| Utensil | Ideal size | Alternative | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowl | 3-quart capacity | Large ceramic bowl | Spilling ingredients |
| Pizza stone | 15 inches diameter | Baking sheet inverted | Uneven crust baking |
| Pizza peel | 12 inches width | Flat wooden cutting board | Dough sticking to surface |
Shopping list
Nutrition profile
Values per 1 serving (excluding side dishes). Calculated from average ingredient nutrition values.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per 1 serving | Per 6 servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 145.5 kcal | 320.0 kcal | 1920.0 kcal |
| Fat | 4.8 g | 10.5 g | 63.0 g |
| of which saturates | 2.1 g | 4.5 g | 27.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19.1 g | 42.0 g | 252.0 g |
| of which sugars | 1.1 g | 2.5 g | 15.0 g |
| Protein | 5.5 g | 12.0 g | 72.0 g |
| Salt | 0.9 g | 1.1 g | 6.6 g |
Reference intake of an average adult (8400 kJ / 2000 kcal).
WAGUU Pro level
- Pro standard: Verified recipe with precise ratios and visual checkpoints.
- Tip 1: Use high-protein bread flour or Italian Tipo 00 flour for superior gluten structure and elasticity.
- Tip 2: Pre-heat your baking stone for at least 45 minutes to guarantee a charred, crispy crust bottom.
- Tip 3: Tear fresh mozzarella by hand rather than slicing to ensure even melting and prevent pooling water.
- Tip 4: Add fresh basil leaves immediately after baking so the heat gently releases essential oils without burning.
Scientific background
The Maillard reaction and caramelization occur rapidly at high oven temperatures (450 °F and above), creating complex flavor compounds in the crust. Yeast fermentation produces carbon dioxide bubbles trapped by the gluten network, resulting in an airy, digestible dough structure.
Fine Dining – Professional techniques
- Plate composition: Serve on a warm matte ceramic plate with precise radial slicing.
- Texture contrasts: Balance crispy charred crust edges with soft, creamy melted cheese centers.
- Temperature contrast: Contrast hot baked crust and sauce with cool fresh basil leaves.
- Aromatic garnishes: Finish with cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil dripped in concentric circles.
Sensory radar
- Appearance: Vibrant red tomato sauce, pristine melted white cheese, and bright green basil leaves on golden-brown crust.
- Aroma: Fragrant baked yeast, sweet ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and rich olive oil.
- Taste: Balanced acidity from tomatoes, creamy dairy notes from mozzarella, and savory crust.
- Texture: Crispy exterior crust with a soft, airy, and chewy crumb.
Pairing
- BEER: Crisp Italian pilsner or light lager.
- WINE: Medium-bodied Chianti or structured Sangiovese.
- NON-ALCOHOLIC: Sparkling mineral water with a slice of fresh lemon.
Various preparation methods
- Cast Iron Skillet Method: Bake in a preheated cast iron skillet on the stovetop and broiler for a Neapolitan-style char.
- Outdoor Pizza Oven: Cook at 800 °F in a portable wood-fired oven for under 90 seconds.
Allergens and dietary information
Contains: Gluten, Dairy • Gluten: Contains wheat flour • Not suitable for: Celiac disease, lactose intolerance
Suitable for
Vegetarians, family dinners, casual weekend gatherings, and pizza enthusiasts.
Substitution guide
- Fresh Mozzarella: Substitute with low-moisture part-skim mozzarella if fresh buffalo mozzarella is unavailable.
FAQ
Can I use regular all-purpose flour for the pizza dough?
Yes, but high-gluten flour or bread flour provides a better chewy texture and structural strength.
Why is my pizza crust soggy in the middle?
Excess moisture from the fresh mozzarella or too much sauce can make the center soggy. Drain cheese well before using.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the pizza peel?
Dust your peel generously with cornmeal or semolina flour before placing the stretched dough on it.
Can I freeze the raw pizza dough?
Yes, freeze portioned dough balls in airtight oiled containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
WAGUU Petr advises: Cooking for 12 or more people?
12–16 people: Prepare dough balls in advance and set up a stretching and topping assembly station. • 20+ people: Bake pizzas sequentially using multiple preheated pizza stones or bake sheet pan pizzas.
Sides and serving
- Insalata Caprese – Fresh tomato, mozzarella, and basil salad (not included in the recipe)
- Garlic bread – Crispy toasted bread with garlic butter (not included in the recipe)
Serving: Serve hot directly from the oven, sliced into wedges, garnished with fresh extra virgin olive oil.
Storage and reheating
Fridge: 2 days • Freezer: 1 months • Reheating: Reheat slices in a hot skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes to restore crust crispness.
Published by WAGUU Culinary Team on June 6, 2024.
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Common mistakes
- Under-preheating the oven – Baking on a cold pizza stone results in a pale, soggy, and dense crust.
- Using excessive sauce – Too much tomato sauce prevents the dough center from cooking through properly.
- Incorrect cheese moisture – Using wet mozzarella without draining causes liquid pooling on top of the pizza.
- Adding basil too early – Baking basil leaves causes them to burn and turn bitter instead of remaining aromatic.