Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza (Italian Style)

A classic Italian Margherita made simple with a crisp pre-made base, rich tomato sauce, hand-torn mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil leaves.

Ingredients

• 1 rectangular pizza dough base
• 12 cup Italian tomato sauce
• 1 pinch salt
• 125 g fresh mozzarella cheese
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the baking tray

   

   Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and carefully lay out the pre-made rectangular pizza dough base. Ensure the dough is flat and centered on the tray to allow for even heat distribution during baking.

   Tip: Parchment paper is essential to prevent the dough from sticking and makes transferring the pizza much easier.
2. 2Press the dough edges

   

   Using your fingers and palms, firmly press down on the pizza dough, focusing on the perimeter to create a slightly raised crust border. This defines the shape of the pizza and keeps the sauce and toppings contained.

   Tip: Apply even pressure across the surface to prevent thin spots in the center of your pizza.
3. 3Add the tomato sauce

   

   Drop several spoonfuls of smooth red tomato sauce into the center of the raw pizza dough. For the most authentic flavor, look for high-quality Italian brands and consider adding a tiny pinch of salt to the sauce before spreading it.

   Tip: Start with a moderate amount of sauce; you can always add more, but too much sauce can make the dough soggy.
4. 4Spread the sauce

   

   Using the back of a metal spoon, spread the tomato sauce in a thin, even layer across the dough. Work in circular motions from the center outward, leaving a small border around the edges to form the finished crust.

   Tip: Leaving a clean edge without sauce allows the crust to rise and brown properly in the oven.
5. 5Scatter the mozzarella

   

   Tear fresh mozzarella cheese into medium-sized chunks and distribute them evenly over the tomato sauce. Using fresh chunks rather than shredded cheese provides a more authentic, creamy texture and better flavor for a classic Margherita.

   Tip: If using buffalo mozzarella or very fresh cheese, pat it dry with a paper towel first to remove excess moisture.
6. 6Add fresh basil

   

   Place several fresh green basil leaves on top of the pizza, tucking them between the cheese chunks. Basil is a core ingredient of the Margherita, providing a fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomatoes.

   Tip: Fresh basil is irreplaceable here; avoid using dried basil as it lacks the bright, punchy aroma needed for this dish.
7. 7Drizzle with olive oil

   

   Finish the preparation by drizzling a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves. This final touch adds a rich, fruity aroma and helps the ingredients meld together perfectly while baking.

   Tip: A good quality olive oil is essential for an authentic Margherita; it enhances the fresh flavors of the basil and tomato.
8. 8Bake the pizza

   

   Carefully slide the baking tray into the middle rack of your preheated oven. Using the middle rack ensures that the heat circulates evenly around the pizza, cooking the dough through while perfectly melting the mozzarella chunks and wilting the basil leaves.

   Tip: If your oven has a fan-forced setting, it will help distribute the heat even more effectively for a consistent bake.
9. 9Set the timer and temperature

   

   Adjust the oven controls to 200°C and set the timer for 15 minutes, as per the instructions on the pizza base packaging. Accurate temperature control is key to achieving that perfect balance between a crisp base and gooey, melted cheese.

   Tip: Always preheat your oven for at least 10-15 minutes before sliding the pizza in to ensure it starts cooking at the correct temperature immediately.

Storing & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions