Margarita pizza is a simple, classic Italian favorite that shines with just a few fresh ingredients. It has a crispy thin crust topped with tangy tomato sauce, creamy melted mozzarella, and fresh basil leaves that give it a bright, herby flavor. The colors are even like the Italian flag, making this pizza as beautiful as it is delicious.
I love making Margarita pizza because it’s so straightforward, and yet it never feels plain. The fresh basil and quality mozzarella really make the flavors pop. When I make it at home, I like to sprinkle a little extra olive oil before baking—it gives the crust a nice golden crunch that everyone notices.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy Margarita pizza is hot out of the oven with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. It’s perfect for a casual dinner or a fun weekend treat. Whenever I share this pizza with friends and family, it always gets smiles and sometimes even requests to make it again soon!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: The base of any great pizza. You can buy pre-made dough or make your own. For a quicker option, store-bought dough works well. If gluten-free is needed, there are many gluten-free doughs available that still yield a tasty crust.
Tomato sauce: Crushed San Marzano tomatoes give a rich, slightly sweet flavor that’s traditional. If you can’t find these, good quality canned plum tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes pureed work fine. Season with salt, and keep it simple.
Mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella is key for that soft, creamy melt. If unavailable, a good-quality low-moisture mozzarella can be used but expect a different texture. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella as it often has additives that affect melting.
Fresh tomatoes: Thin slices of ripe tomatoes add freshness and a juicy bite. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can skip them or lightly roast them first.
Basil leaves: This is what gives the pizza its signature aromatic touch. Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil won’t give the same bright, fresh taste. Add a few leaves before baking and some more after for nice color and flavor.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps crisp up the crust. If needed, a mild vegetable oil can be substituted, but the taste won’t be the same.
How Can I Get the Crispy Thin Crust Perfect Every Time?
Getting the crust just right can feel tricky, but a few tips help every time:
- High heat: Always preheat your oven as hot as possible (450-500°F). A pizza stone or steel helps retain heat and crisps the crust beautifully.
- Stretch, don’t roll: Stretching the dough by hand keeps air bubbles intact for a lighter crust. Rolling can squash these bubbles, leading to a denser base.
- Thin edges: Keep the edges slightly thicker to hold toppings but aim for a thin center that cooks quickly.
- Quick bake: Bake for 7-10 minutes, watching the crust color and cheese melt. Don’t overload toppings as too much moisture slows down crisping.
- Olive oil glaze: Brushing a light layer of olive oil around the crust before baking helps it turn golden and adds flavor.
These steps take practice, but once you get the hang of it, delicious, crispy Margarita pizza is easy to serve at home!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Pizza stone or baking steel – helps create a crispy crust by evenly distributing high heat.
- Pizza peel – makes transferring your pizza to and from the oven easy and safe.
- Rolling pin or your hands – use these to stretch the dough to the right size and thickness.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for slicing your pizza cleanly after baking.
- Mixing bowl – great for preparing and proofing your dough if you’re making it from scratch.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add sliced prosciutto after baking for a salty, tender meat topping that pairs well with basil.
- Swap fresh mozzarella for burrata to get a creamy, luxurious cheese center.
- Top with roasted garlic or caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving for a little spicy kick.
How to Make Margarita Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ball of pizza dough (about 12 inches)
- 1/2 cup crushed San Marzano tomatoes or good quality canned plum tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves (about 10-12 leaves, plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation plus 7-10 minutes of baking. If you’re making your own dough, add extra hours for proofing. Otherwise, you can quickly prepare and bake the pizza for a tasty meal in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to its highest temperature, between 450-500°F (230-260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it inside the oven to get hot while you prepare the pizza.
2. Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll or stretch your pizza dough into a roughly 12-inch circle. Leave the edges a little thicker to form the crust.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings
Spread the crushed tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border clear around the edges. Season lightly with salt. Next, place slices or pieces of fresh mozzarella evenly across the sauce.
4. Add Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
Layer thin tomato slices on the pizza, tucking some between mozzarella pieces. Scatter fresh basil leaves (whole or torn) over the top, then drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake and Serve
Carefully transfer the pizza to the hot oven or pizza stone. Bake for about 7-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted with slightly browned spots. Remove from the oven, garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if you like, add freshly ground black pepper as desired, let it cool for a couple of minutes, then slice and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Margarita Pizza?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before using. Let the dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before stretching to make it easier to work with.
Can I Substitute Fresh Basil with Dried Basil?
Fresh basil is best for this recipe because it adds bright, aromatic flavor and color. If you only have dried basil, use it sparingly and add it to the tomato sauce rather than on top, since dried herbs lose flavor when baked.
How Should I Store Leftover Margarita Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crisp.
Can I Make the Pizza Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and sauce ahead but assemble the pizza just before baking for best results. Alternatively, assemble and bake the pizza, then reheat later as needed.
