Discover the captivating legend and iconic flavors of the Margherita pizza, a timeless classic that carries a rich history. This Neapolitan masterpiece, which may have originated in 1889 to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, boasts vibrant colors representing Italy’s flag: tomato, mozzarella, and basil. True to its heritage, the Margherita pizza celebrates the simplicity and elegance of authentic Italian cuisine. Our recipe will guide you in creating the perfect Margherita pizza with carefully curated quantities of sauce, cheese, and basil to ensure a delightful flavor balance. Whether you bake it in a wood-fired oven or your home oven, this Margherita pizza promises to be a showstopper, delighting your taste buds and transporting you to the streets of Naples.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 (9-ounce/255-gram) ball Napoletana Dough
- Flour, for dusting
- Generous ⅓ cup (100 grams) Napoletana Tomato Sauce
- 3 fresh basil leaves, torn in half
- 4 ounces (115 grams) fresh whole-milk mozzarella cheese, homemade or store-bought fior di latte, preferably Grande, well-drained
- Fine sea salt
- Extra virgin olive oil in a spouted container, for drizzling
PREPARATIONS:
- Prepare a wood-fired oven or ready your home oven as instructed.
- Follow the instructions on this page for Wood-Fired Oven Baking or Home-Oven Broiler Method to prepare the dough.
- Spoon the tomato sauce onto the center of the dough, spread it evenly over the surface, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Arrange basil leaves over the sauce and place mozzarella pieces on top, covering some of the basil to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the pizza lightly with salt and drizzle a spiral of olive oil over the surface.
- Bake the pizza as directed for Wood-Fired Oven Baking or Home-Oven Broiler Method.
- Cut the finished pizza into 6 wedges.
YIELD:
- One 12-inch Margherita pizza; approximately 6 slices.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Pay attention to the quantities of sauce, cheese, and basil for the perfect flavor balance.
- Pinch the cheese into pieces slightly larger than a quarter to cover part of each basil leaf and prevent burning.
TIPS:
- For an authentic Margherita experience, use fresh, whole-milk mozzarella cheese, preferably Grande fior di latte.
- The basil leaves should be arranged shiny side up to preserve their vibrant green color and aromatic flavor.
The legend of the Margherita pizza intertwines history and culinary delight, a true testament to the artistry of Italian cuisine. As you savor the flavors of this iconic pizza, you embark on a journey through time, back to the era when Raffaele Esposito sought to impress Queen Margherita with a tribute to Italy’s flag. Though its origins may be shrouded in mystery, the Margherita pizza has since become a symbol of Neapolitan pride and culinary excellence.
Our carefully crafted recipe ensures the Margherita pizza’s authenticity, blending precise quantities of sauce, cheese, and basil to create a harmonious symphony of flavors. The thin layer of tomato sauce, accompanied by the vibrant basil leaves and whole-milk mozzarella, promises a slice of pizza heaven with every bite.
Whether you bake this masterpiece in a wood-fired oven or your home oven, the Margherita pizza will never fail to delight your senses. The moment the dough rises, the aroma of the baking pizza fills the air, awakening anticipation and excitement. As the cheese melts into a gooey masterpiece and the basil releases its aromatic essence, you’ll know you’ve created something special.
Indulge in the simplicity and elegance of Margherita pizza, basking in the memories of its fabled origin. Share this culinary marvel with friends and family, and watch their faces light up as they experience the time-honored flavors of Italy.
