🇮🇹 Italy · Food
Pizza Margherita
By eatmundo · July 2, 2026
A classic Neapolitan pizza with simple, fresh ingredients like tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Prepare pizza dough
- 2
Spread tomato sauce
- 3
Add mozzarella and basil
- 4
Bake until golden
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of mozzarella cheese is best for Pizza Margherita, and how should it be prepared?+
For an authentic Margherita, use fresh mozzarella like fior di latte or buffalo mozzarella, not low-moisture shredded varieties. Ensure you drain it thoroughly and tear or slice it into pieces just before placing it on the pizza to prevent a watery crust.
What is the optimal oven temperature and cooking time for achieving an authentic Pizza Margherita crust at home?+
Preheat your oven as high as it can go (ideally 500-550°F / 260-290°C) with a pizza stone or steel inside for at least an hour. Cook the pizza for a very short time, typically 5-8 minutes, until the crust is puffed and lightly charred, and the cheese is bubbly.
What kind of tomato sauce is traditionally used for Pizza Margherita, and does it need to be cooked before baking?+
The classic Margherita uses a very simple, uncooked sauce made from high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, crushed or pureed lightly. Season it with salt and perhaps a drizzle of olive oil, but avoid cooking it beforehand to preserve its fresh flavor.
When should I add the fresh basil to my Pizza Margherita to prevent it from burning?+
To keep the basil vibrant and aromatic, add most of it after the pizza comes out of the oven. If you add it before, it tends to crisp up and lose its fresh flavor due to the high cooking temperature.
Mundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
