Classic Italian Pizza Margherita
Indulge in the timeless simplicity of Classic Italian Pizza Margherita, a culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of Italy. With its delicious blend of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this pizza captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a quintessential dish that delights the senses. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, this pizza is best enjoyed hot out of the oven! For a perfectly crispy and flavorful crust, don't forget to check out our recommended recipe for pizza dough!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
plum tomatoes
1 lb (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
whole tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (drained, seeded, and chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (coarsely grated (about 6 oz.))
parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
basic pizza dough
1 recipe (see Recipe #236785)
cornmeal
1-2 tablespoons (for sprinkling on baker's peel)
fresh basil leaves
6-8 (torn)
garlic clove
1 (split (optional for rubbing on crust))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Italian Pizza Margherita?
It is a timeless Italian culinary masterpiece that embodies the spirit of Italy with a blend of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
What are the core ingredients of this pizza?
The main ingredients include plum tomatoes, canned whole tomatoes, salt, extra virgin olive oil, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, pizza dough, cornmeal, fresh basil, and garlic.
How can I ensure a crispy crust?
For a perfectly crispy and flavorful crust, follow the recommended pizza dough recipe and bake the pizza until the base is well-cooked.
What kind of tomatoes does this recipe require?
The recipe uses 1 lb of fresh plum tomatoes and one 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
How should I prepare the fresh plum tomatoes?
The fresh plum tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and chopped before being added to the recipe.
What should be done with the canned tomatoes?
The canned whole tomatoes should be drained, seeded, and chopped.
What is the role of cornmeal in this recipe?
Cornmeal is used for sprinkling on the baker's peel to prevent the pizza dough from sticking.
Which cheeses are used in this Margherita pizza?
This recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of coarsely grated mozzarella and 1/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is garlic a required ingredient?
No, a split garlic clove is listed as an optional ingredient specifically for rubbing on the crust for added flavor.
How should the basil be added to the pizza?
You should use 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves that have been torn into pieces.
Is this pizza good for social events?
Yes, it is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners and is best enjoyed hot out of the oven.
How many ingredients does this recipe have?
There are a total of 10 ingredients listed for this Classic Italian Pizza Margherita.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include pizza, Italian, Margherita, cheese, basil, tomato, Mediterranean, homemade, and classic.
How much salt is included in the seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
When is the best time to serve the pizza?
The pizza is best enjoyed immediately after it comes hot out of the oven.
Does this recipe provide the dough instructions?
The recipe lists 1 recipe of basic pizza dough and refers users to Recipe #236785.
How should the mozzarella cheese be prepared?
It should be coarsely grated, which equates to approximately 6 ounces of cheese.
Can I use regular olive oil?
The recipe specifically recommends extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and quality.
How many basil leaves are recommended?
The instructions suggest using between 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves.
What form should the parmesan cheese be in?
The parmesan cheese should be grated before being used in the recipe.
How is this pizza described in terms of flavor?
It is described as having a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that delight the senses.
What defines the spirit of this pizza?
It embodies the spirit of Italy and the essence of Mediterranean cuisine through its simple, fresh ingredients.
What step is optional for the crust?
Rubbing a split garlic clove on the crust is an optional step to enhance the flavor.
What quantity of plum tomatoes is used?
The recipe requires 1 pound of plum tomatoes.
How are the basil leaves treated?
The fresh basil leaves are torn rather than finely chopped.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is described as a quintessential dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
What is the specific size of the canned tomatoes?
The recipe calls for a 28-ounce can of whole tomatoes.
What is the approximate weight of the mozzarella cheese?
1 1/2 cups of mozzarella is approximately 6 ounces.
Why is a baker's peel mentioned?
A baker's peel is used for handling the pizza, and cornmeal is sprinkled on it to aid in sliding the pizza into the oven.