If you’re craving a slice of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen, this Best Easy Margherita Pizza is your new go-to. With a crisp golden crust, gooey fresh mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and the bright burst of fresh basil, this recipe captures everything you love about traditional pizza—only faster.
Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the ultimate dinner hack for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or even impromptu get-togethers. Whether you’re flying solo or feeding a crowd, you’ll love how effortlessly this comes together with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
What sets this Margherita apart? Simplicity. This isn’t about piling on toppings—it’s about letting a few high-quality ingredients shine. And yes, you can absolutely make this with store-bought dough and still get gourmet results. Let’s dive in.
Classic Italian Flavor, Zero Fuss—Just 20 Minutes to Pizza Night Perfection
🍳 Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe
- Quick as can be – From prep to plate in 20 minutes flat.
- Family-friendly – Loved by picky eaters and foodies alike.
- Wholesome ingredients – Fresh basil, real mozzarella, and heart-healthy olive oil.
- Flexible – Make it your own with spicy flakes or a balsamic drizzle.
- Feel-good food – With simple ingredients and no preservatives, it’s a healthier pizza night win!
⚙️ How to Cook Margherita Pizza Like a Pro
Want to level up your pizza game? Here’s how to crush it in the kitchen:
- Use a preheated pizza stone or cast iron pan for a crispy bottom crust.
- Stretch, don’t roll the dough for an airier edge and better texture.
- Invest in a good-quality olive oil—it’s the secret to that extra bit of flavor.
- Make it faster by prepping toppings in advance or keeping dough portions in your freezer.
With just a few smart tweaks, this recipe becomes your personal pizza masterclass.
🧂 Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pizza Dough – Store-bought dough or an instant mix saves time. Want a twist? Try whole wheat or cauliflower crust for a healthier option.
- Tomato Sauce – Go with a high-quality marinara or San Marzano-style sauce for that rich, vibrant flavor.
- Fresh Mozzarella – The creamier, the better. Vegan cheese also works great here.
- Fresh Basil Leaves – Adds that signature herby freshness. No basil? Try baby arugula for a peppery edge.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – A light drizzle ties it all together with richness.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances all those savory notes.
- Grated Parmesan (Optional) – Adds depth and sharpness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who like it hot.
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips for Success
- Let the dough rest before shaping—it relaxes the gluten and makes stretching easier.
- Use parchment paper to easily transfer your pizza to the hot stone or baking tray.
- Don’t overload with sauce or cheese—balance is key to a crispy, evenly cooked pie.
- Broil for the last 30 seconds for a perfectly charred top like a wood-fired pizza.
- Top with basil after baking so it stays vibrant and fresh.
🔥 More Recipes You’ll Love
Love this quick Margherita pizza? You’ll flip for these too:
- Easy Neapolitan Pizza (Crispy Crust & Classic Flavor!)
- Homemade Pizza Sauce (Rich, Simple & Ready in 10 Min!)
- Mini Margherita Pizzas (Perfect for Parties!)
- Fresh Basil Pesto (Delicious Pizza Drizzle!)
- 3-Cheese White Pizza (No Sauce, Just Pure Flavor!)
- Easy Caprese Salad (Fresh & Ready in 5 Min!)
🍽️ It’s Time to Cook This Margherita Pizza Recipe!
Ready to turn your kitchen into a mini Italian pizzeria? Fire up that oven, grab your ingredients, and let’s get that irresistible Margherita on the table in just 20 minutes. It’s quick, satisfying, and bound to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.
Description
Savor the classic flavors of Italy with this effortless Margherita pizza that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
Pizza Toppings
Optional Garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Pizza Dough
-
Make the Dough
Follow your favorite pizza dough recipe or use store-bought dough. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to make it easier to shape.If using store-bought dough, check the package instructions for specific resting times.
Assemble the Margherita Pizza
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to the highest temperature it can go, typically around 500°F (260°C) or higher. Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat up as well.If you don't have a pizza stone, a baking sheet works fine too. -
Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, stretch or roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle, about 12 inches in diameter or to your desired thickness.For a crispier crust, stretch the dough thinner. -
Add the Toppings
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border for the crust. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices and cherry tomato halves on top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and fresh basil leaves.
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Bake and Serve
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Bake the Pizza
Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.Keep an eye on the pizza as baking times may vary depending on your oven's temperature. -
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Slice it up, sprinkle with additional fresh basil if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious homemade Margherita pizza!Pair with a fresh arugula salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 647kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21.4g33%
- Saturated Fat 10.1g51%
- Cholesterol 52mg18%
- Sodium 1261mg53%
- Potassium 160.9mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 84.3g29%
- Dietary Fiber 3.9g16%
- Sugars 8.3g
- Protein 26.6g54%
- Calcium 629.6 mg
- Iron 6.6 mg
- Vitamin D 0.3 IU
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ____ (*Keep in mind that these are approximate values and may vary slightly depending on the brands and exact proportions of ingredients used. For more precise measurements, it’s best to use a specific nutritional calculator or product labels for the ingredients you’re using.)
Note
- For a smoky flavor, try grilling the pizza instead of baking it.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for a sweet tangy finish.
- Substitute basil with arugula for a peppery twist.
- Make mini margherita pizzas using smaller dough portions for a fun party snack.
