If you love pizza, you've gotta try the five best Margherita pizza recipes out there! Each one has its own twist, from the classic Neapolitan with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella to a fun grilled version that'll make your taste buds dance. Plus, there's a healthy cauliflower crust option for those looking to mix things up. Curious about how to make these mouth-watering pies? Let's explore the delicious details!
Classic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
Creating a Classic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza at home can transport you to the streets of Naples with every bite. This pizza is celebrated for its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients, showcasing the rich flavors of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. The key lies in using high-quality ingredients and baking it at a high temperature, ideally in a wood-fired oven, to achieve that perfect crust.
Ingredients:
- 500g all-purpose flour or "00" flour
- 325ml water, lukewarm
- 10g sea salt
- 2g active dry yeast
- 200g San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 250g fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt for topping
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, lukewarm water, and active dry yeast, mixing until a dough forms.
Add the sea salt and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Once risen, preheat your oven to the highest temperature (ideally around 250°C or 482°F) and place a pizza stone inside to heat.
Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each into a ball.
On a lightly floured surface, gently stretch one ball into a 10-12 inch round, ensuring a thicker edge for the crust.
Spread half of the crushed San Marzano tomatoes over the base, season with a pinch of salt, and top with slices of mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle with olive oil and bake on the hot pizza stone for about 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Repeat with the second dough ball.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, particularly San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, as they greatly improve the flavor of the pizza.
If you have access to a wood-fired oven, it can reach much higher temperatures, resulting in a better crust.
If using a conventional oven, consider investing in a pizza stone or steel to help replicate that crispy crust.
Don't overload your pizza with toppings, as this can lead to a soggy base; simplicity is key in a classic Margherita.
Finally, allow your pizza to cool for a minute or two before slicing to help maintain the integrity of the toppings.
Enjoy your homemade slice of Italy!
Grilled Margherita Pizza
Grilled Margherita Pizza is a delightful way to enjoy this classic Italian dish, infused with the smoky flavors from the grill. The combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil creates a revitalizing and vibrant taste that improves the simple yet satisfying elements of the pizza.
This method allows for a crispy crust while keeping the toppings fresh and vibrant, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, divide the pizza dough into two equal portions and roll each into a round shape, about 1/4-inch thick. Dust the dough with cornmeal to prevent sticking.
Once the grill is ready, place the dough directly onto the grill grates and cook for about 2-3 minutes until grill marks form and the bottom is slightly firm. Flip the dough over and quickly layer with mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
Close the grill lid and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the grill, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add a dash of balsamic reduction for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer a crispier crust, grill the dough for a longer period before adding the toppings.
Keep an eye on the pizza while it cooks, as grilling times may vary based on the heat of your grill.
Margherita Pizza With Homemade Dough
Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish that highlights the simple yet delicious combination of fresh ingredients. Making your own dough at home not only improves the flavor but also allows you to customize the thickness and texture to your liking. This recipe will guide you through creating a light and airy crust topped with fragrant tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, resulting in a pizza that's sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 10 minutes.
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Preheat your oven to its highest setting (usually 475°F to 500°F) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two equal balls.
Roll out each ball on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
Spread a thin layer of crushed tomatoes on each crust, season with salt and pepper, then top with slices of mozzarella.
Bake the pizzas for 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and mozzarella.
If you like a crispy crust, consider pre-baking the dough for 3-4 minutes before adding the toppings.
You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour or "00" flour, for varying textures.
Finally, don't be afraid to adjust the toppings to your taste; while traditional Margherita pizza is simple, you can customize it to suit your preferences.
Enjoy your homemade pizza with a glass of wine or a revitalizing salad for a complete meal!
Margherita Pizza With Pesto Drizzle
Indulge in the classic flavors of Margherita pizza improved with a vibrant pesto drizzle that brings an extra layer of freshness to this beloved dish. The combination of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil is a match made in culinary heaven, while the pesto adds a delightful twist that raises the traditional recipe.
Perfect for pizza night or a cozy dinner, this Margherita pizza with pesto drizzle is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling. Drizzle a little olive oil over the dough and season with salt and black pepper.
Arrange the sliced tomatoes evenly over the dough, followed by the slices of fresh mozzarella. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top and drizzle with pesto before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use high-quality ingredients—opt for fresh mozzarella and ripe, in-season tomatoes.
If you have the time, make your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a richer taste.
Feel free to experiment with the toppings; adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of balsamic glaze can improve the flavor even further.
And remember, let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza
If you're looking for a deliciously healthy twist on the classic Margherita pizza, try making it with a cauliflower crust. This gluten-free alternative isn't only lower in carbs but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a lighter pizza experience.
With the perfect blend of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings while keeping it nutritious.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Begin by ricing the cauliflower using a food processor or box grater until it resembles fine grains.
Steam the riced cauliflower for about 5 minutes and then let it cool slightly. Once cooled, place it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out excess moisture.
In a bowl, mix the riced cauliflower with the egg, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to form a pizza crust and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove the crust from the oven, spread marinara sauce on top, and layer with fresh mozzarella slices. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
To improve the flavor of your cauliflower crust, consider adding herbs and spices directly into the mixture, such as Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
Make certain to remove as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower to guarantee a crispy crust.
If you prefer a thicker crust, you can double the amount of cauliflower.
For added texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with different cheeses or top your pizza with additional vegetables like spinach or arugula.
Enjoy your healthy and delicious Cauliflower Crust Margherita Pizza!