Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hand-stretched dough topped with tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and bright basil leaves baked until bubbling and golden — the canonical Neapolitan Margherita, faithful to its Italian origins. This italian-inspired pizza (vegetarian) ready in about 32 minutes pairs pizza dough, crushed tomatoes, sliced fresh mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.9 (419 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 475°F and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
  2. Step 2: On a floured surface, stretch 1 lb pizza dough into a 12-inch round about 1/4 inch thick. Dust a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal and transfer the dough onto it.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes with 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp dried oregano. Spread this sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
  4. Step 4: Arrange 8 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the top.
  5. Step 5: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbling.
  6. Step 6: Remove pizza from oven and immediately scatter 1/4 cup whole fresh basil leaves over the hot cheese. Let rest for 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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 Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil?

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 Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil 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.

Is Classic Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes