Margherita pizza is an iconic dish deeply rooted in Italian tradition. It is well-loved for its authentic taste and simplicity, emphasising that a fantastic meal doesn’t have to be grande.
Crafted with simple, local ingredients, this pizza brings a piece of Italy straight onto your plate. The key is to keep it fresh and simple. These characteristics have made it a global favourite.
Want to discover the story behind the delicious Margherita pizza? Join us for a Margherita pizza exploration below!
What is a Margherita Pizza?
A Margherita pizza is a classic Italian dish with a thin and crispy crust served with fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella cheese, and basil as the toppings. They represent the Italian flag’s red, white, and green hue.
You might wonder what these combinations taste like. The red tomato sauce provides a tangy base, the mozzarella cheese adds a rich, creamy texture, and the basil leaves bring a fresh, aromatic finish. It’s just the perfect balance!
Why is it Called a Margherita Pizza?
The Margherita pizza got its name in 1889 when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. She asked Raffaele Esposito, a renowned pizzaiolo—or pizza maker—to make her a pizza because she was tired of French cuisine.
Esposito created a dish using tomato, mozzarella, and basil, which happened to resemble the colours of the Italian flag. According to the legend, the Queen loved it so much that Esposito named the pizza “Margherita” in her honour.
Another story suggests that the classic pizza was named after the Margherita flower, or the Paris daisy and the ingredients were arranged to resemble its petals.
Margherita Pizza Ingredients
The main ingredients to make an authentic Margherita pizza are simple: fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. You will also need drizzles of olive oil, pepper, and salt to taste.
It is recommended to use low-moisture fresh mozzarella cheese to melt perfectly on your pizza. In addition, you can use canned tomatoes for quick cooking.
Some people modify the recipe by adding grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to spice it up.
How to Make Margherita Pizzas
So, now you know the ingredients needed to make an authentic Margherita pizza. Are you ready to cook this pizza at home? We have provided a simple Margherita pizza recipe for you to follow:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade is okay)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (buffalo mozzarella recommended)
- Tomato sauce (San Marzano tomatoes are best)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to the highest setting, around 250°C (482°F), with a pizza stone inside if available.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a border around the edges.
- Tear the mozzarella cheese into pieces and place them over the sauce.
- Place fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lightly add in a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Bake the pizza for up to 12 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling with a slight browning.
- After removing it from the oven, let it cool for a minute, then slice and serve.
What are the Differences between a Margherita Pizza and a Regular Pizza?
The main difference between a Margherita pizza and a regular pizza is the ingredients. A Margherita pizza uses fresh mozzarella cheese and other fresh ingredients—notice the emphasis on “fresh.”
On the other hand, a regular cheese pizza, particularly an American cheese pizza, often uses processed mozzarella or a cheese blend and may include other toppings. Plus, the pizza crust is typically thicker, and the sauce can be more seasoned or sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toppings are on a Margherita pizza?
A Margherita pizza has fresh mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves as toppings.
Is Margherita pizza just cheese and tomato?
No, Margherita pizza also includes fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil.
Why is Margherita pizza famous?
Margherita pizza is famous for its simple yet delicious flavours and historical connection to Queen Margherita of Savoy.
Conclusion
Margherita pizza is a classic dish loved by culinary seekers worldwide. It has a rich history and iconic status, making it a must-try dish once you visit Italy or an Italian restaurant nearby. Plus, the fresh ingredients in the recipe make every bite memorable.
If you want to experience the real flavour of Margherita pizza, join us at 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar and book a table to taste it for yourself!