Italian Margherita Pizza : The Quintessential Italian Pie
This authentic Neapolitan Margherita pizza features a thin, crispy crust topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Created in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, this classic pizza represents the colors of the Italian flag and brings the true taste of Naples to your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 24 hours resting)
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Italian “00” flour (500g)- Water (325ml)- Salt (10g)- Fresh yeast (2g)- San Marzano tomatoes- Fresh buffalo mozzarella- Fresh basil leaves- Extra virgin olive oil- Pinch of salt for sauce
Instructions
1. Mix flour, water, salt, and yeast until smooth and elastic
2. Let dough rest at room temperature for 2 hours
3. Divide into balls and refrigerate for 24 hours
4. Crush San Marzano tomatoes, add pinch of salt
5. Stretch dough by hand
6. Top with tomato sauce
7. Add torn pieces of fresh mozzarella
8. Bake at 500°F (260°C) for 8-10 minutes
9. Add fresh basil leaves after baking
10. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil
Notes
Use high-quality ingredients for authentic flavor- Don’t overload with sauce to prevent soggy crust- Add basil after baking to preserve freshness- Best enjoyed immediately
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pizza)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg