Few dishes represent Italy better than Pizza Margherita.
Simple, colorful, and deeply rooted in tradition, this iconic pizza combines tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil into something truly magical. The good news? You can make authentic Pizza Margherita at home, and it is much easier than you think.
This week, the Foodie Sisters in Italy, Benedetta and Valeria, invited a very special guest to show you exactly how to do it the real Italian way.
The Story Behind Pizza Margherita
The origins of Pizza Margherita date back to 1889.
When King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples, pizza was still a local specialty found only in the city. For this royal occasion, pizza maker Raffaele Esposito created a new version topped with tomato, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
These ingredients represented the colors of the Italian flag: red, white, and green. He named the pizza in honor of the queen.
From that moment on, Pizza Margherita became a symbol of Italy.
Why Make Pizza Margherita at Home?
Although pizza might seem complicated, it is surprisingly simple.
First, you need a little patience because the dough must rise for about two hours. However, once it is ready, you can bake your pizza in just 10 to 15 minutes.
Even better, homemade pizza allows you to customize everything. You control the thickness of the base, the crispness of the crust, and the balance of toppings.
In other words, you create the pizza exactly the way you love it.
Authentic Pizza Margherita Recipe
Ingredients For the Dough:
- 500 g soft-wheat flour (0-type)
- 7 g dry active yeast
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 300 ml water
- Extra virgin olive oil
For the Topping:
- Tomato passata
- Fresh mozzarella, chopped
- Grated Parmigiano
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Dough
Place the flour in a large bowl. Add the yeast and sugar first. The sugar helps activate the yeast and gives the crust a beautiful golden color.
Next, pour in the water and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix everything together, then add the salt last.
2. Knead the Dough
Work the dough with your hands until it pulls away cleanly from the sides of the bowl. Then transfer it to a work surface and knead firmly using the heel of your hand.
For best results, slam the dough onto the surface a few times. This action helps develop the gluten and creates elasticity. Continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth and soft.
Shape it into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, ideally at least 250°C (482°F).
Lightly grease a metal baking tray with olive oil. Using your fingertips, gently stretch the dough from the center outward until it fills the tray.
4. Add the Toppings
Season the tomato passata with salt and extra virgin olive oil. Spread it evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Bake the pizza on the lowest oven rack for 5 to 6 minutes. Then remove it and add the mozzarella, grated Parmigiano, and a few fresh basil leaves.
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts beautifully.
5. Serve Immediately
Once out of the oven, finish with extra Parmigiano and fresh basil. Slice and serve hot.
The aroma alone will transport you straight to Italy.
Learn to Make Pizza in Italy
If you want to go beyond the recipe and truly understand Italian pizza culture, you can join a hands-on Pizza & Make Your Own dessert cooking class in Rome!
Cooking alongside local chefs allows you to learn traditional techniques, proper dough handling, and regional secrets that make all the difference.
Make Italy Feel Like Home With the Local Aromas Family
If you love Italian food and want to cook it confidently at home, there is a place designed just for you.
Inside the Local Aromas Family Community, you will find Casa, the membership for people who want Italy to truly feel like home.
Casa means home in Italian. This plan is perfect for those who do not just want to read about Italian food. Instead, they want to cook it, understand it, and live it every day.
With Casa, you cook alongside locals, learn traditional techniques, and explore food, wine, travel, and culture as a community.