Pizza margherita.

 

Best Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

After a long search for the best Margherita pizza that can be made at home using a standard oven and everyday ingredients, I have finally found the perfect recipe! This recipe will make you want to prepare it over and over again. To follow the dough preparation steps in detail, you can watch the tutorial video below.

The Best Homemade Margherita Pizza Recipe

I have been sharing some details about this recipe on Instagram for a while, and I apologize for the delay, but I was busy enjoying this pizza!
Honestly, I rarely describe a recipe as "the best ever," but this one is an exception. I have tried many types of pizza—some were fantastic, while others were not—but this recipe comes closest to the taste of authentic Italian pizza.

The best Margherita pizza I have ever had in my life was in Naples, Italy, during a trip to the Amalfi Coast. I was at one of the most famous pizzerias there, where the pizza was served fresh at an affordable price. The crust was thin, the sauce was rich in flavor, and the cheese melted perfectly.

Essential Equipment for Homemade Pizza

To make a perfect pizza at home, it is best to use a baking stone or a steel baking sheet. These tools help distribute heat evenly and mimic traditional pizza ovens, which reach temperatures of over 800°F. It is also recommended to use a wooden or metal pizza peel to easily transfer the pizza into the oven.

Homemade Margherita Pizza Ingredients

Pizza Dough:

• 2½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 7 ounces (about 210ml) warm water (between 105°F and 115°F)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Semolina and all-purpose flour for dusting the surface when rolling out the dough

Pizza Sauce:

• 1 cup canned tomatoes (San Marzano or any Italian variety), crushed
• 2-3 fresh garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2-3 pinches of kosher salt (to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Toppings:

• 2-3 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 7 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (not packed in water), cut into cubes
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Tips for the Best Homemade Margherita Pizza

• Preheat the oven to the highest possible temperature. In most home ovens, this is around 550°F.
• If using a baking stone or steel, allow it to heat in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Bake the pizza for just 7 to 8 minutes at this high temperature to achieve a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, airy texture inside.

This recipe guarantees a perfect Margherita pizza with a taste very close to authentic Italian pizza, but with simple ingredients available in any home kitchen!