The Best Margherita Pizza Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Homemade Delight

Ella Foster
3 min readAug 22, 2024

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You've come to the right place if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering pizza recipe.

This Margherita Pizza recipe offers classic Italian flavors in a simplified, 20-minute version that you can whip up in your own kitchen.

Inspired by the traditional pie created for a visiting queen, our recipe adds convenience and ease, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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Why This Margherita Pizza Recipe is a Must-Try

Margherita pizza is beloved for its simplicity. It showcases the harmonious combination of fresh dough, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Our version stays true to these classic ingredients but adds a modern twist with speed and simplicity.

This recipe uses store-bought fresh dough and cherry tomatoes to ensure you can enjoy an authentic Italian pizza without the hassle.

Not only is this pizza delicious, but it’s also budget-friendly. For under $10, you can create a pizza to impress your family and friends.

Plus, with the money saved, you can pair it with a nice bottle of red wine to complete the experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 commercially prepared fresh pizza dough
  • 1 (12 oz) can of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or tomato sauce
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
  • 1 small handful fresh basil leaves, coarsely torn
  • 1 handful cherry tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt
  • Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Your Oven:

  • If you’re using a pizza stone, preheat your oven to 500°F.
  • If using a metal baking sheet, reduce the oven temperature to 425°F.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  • Tear off a piece of parchment paper approximately the same size as your pizza stone or pan.
  • Lightly flour the parchment paper, then stretch or roll out the dough to match the size of your stone or pan.

3. Add the Tomato Base: Spoon the canned tomatoes or sauce over the dough evenly.

4. Top with Cherry Tomatoes and Season:

  • Evenly distribute the cherry tomatoes on top of the sauce.
  • Sprinkle the tomatoes with kosher salt for added flavor.

5. Bake to Perfection:

  • Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
  • Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes or until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

6. Add the Finishing Touches:

  • Top the pizza with torn mozzarella pieces once the pizza is out of the oven. The residual heat will slightly melt the cheese, creating the perfect texture.
  • Allow the pizza to set for about five minutes, then evenly distribute the fresh basil leaves over the top.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pizza and serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Margherita Pizza recipe is all about simplicity and taste. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a pizza that rivals a fancy pizzeria.

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining guests, this quick and delicious recipe will surely be a hit.

So next time you’re in the mood for pizza, skip the delivery and try making this delightful Margherita Pizza at home — you won’t be disappointed!

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