Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza
Fluffy handmade pizza dough topped with fresh tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, and basil, baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs pizza dough, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 500g pizza dough
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 200g buffalo mozzarella
- 1/3 cup torn fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 500°F (260°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat.
- Step 2: Roll out dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Step 3: Spread 2 cups tomato sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Dot with 200g buffalo mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the top, then scatter 1/3 cup torn basil leaves. Bake 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pizza dough from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Neapolitan Margherita Pizza?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
