Introduction
Pizza Margherita is a dish that proves simplicity can be truly extraordinary. With just a handful of ingredients, it delivers balance, freshness, and depth of flavor that has endured for generations. I often return to this recipe when I want to appreciate the fundamentals of good cooking, where quality ingredients and careful technique matter more than complexity. The contrast between crisp yet tender dough, bright tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil is both comforting and refined. Each element has a clear role, and none overwhelms the others. Making Pizza Margherita at home is also deeply rewarding, as it allows you to control texture and flavor at every stage. Whether enjoyed as a casual meal or shared at the table with family and friends, this pizza remains a timeless favorite that never loses its appeal.
Print
Pizza Margherita: A Timeless Italian Classic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Savory French dip–inspired tortilla roll-ups filled with tender beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions, served with a rich au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked roast beef, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded provolone or Swiss cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté sliced onion until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Add roast beef, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; warm through and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, heat beef broth with Worcestershire sauce and thyme; simmer for 5 minutes to make au jus.
- Lay tortillas flat and evenly divide beef mixture among them.
- Sprinkle cheese over the beef.
- Roll tortillas tightly into logs.
- Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan and toast roll-ups seam-side down until golden and cheese is melted.
- Slice into pinwheels or serve whole with warm au jus for dipping.
Notes
- Use leftover beef for convenience.
- You can make these ahead and reheat before serving.
- Serve as an appetizer or light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe celebrates simplicity and balance. It relies on minimal ingredients, bakes quickly, and highlights fresh flavors. Pizza Margherita is versatile, approachable, and satisfying without being heavy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough
Pizza dough forms the foundation of the dish, providing structure, chew, and a crisp base when baked at high heat.
Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese.
Fresh mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella melts gently and creates creamy pockets across the pizza.
Fresh basil
Basil adds aroma and a fresh, herbal note that defines the classic flavor profile.
Olive oil
Olive oil enhances richness and helps the crust brown evenly.
Salt
Salt sharpens flavor and brings balance to all components.
Directions
Preheat the oven to its highest setting, ideally 250°C, with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. Roll or stretch the pizza dough into a thin round on a lightly floured surface.
Transfer the dough to a piece of parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges. Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and distribute evenly over the sauce. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and golden and the cheese is melted and lightly bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the top before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 2 to 3 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking time is 7 to 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Pizza Margherita is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
Variations and Customizations
While Pizza Margherita is perfect in its classic form, small adjustments can be made. You can add a pinch of chili flakes for gentle heat or finish with grated Parmesan for extra depth.
If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, low-moisture mozzarella can be used, though the texture will be slightly different. Whole wheat dough offers a nuttier base, while sourdough dough adds complexity. These variations maintain the spirit of the dish while allowing flexibility.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This pizza provides carbohydrates from the dough, fats from cheese and olive oil, and freshness from tomatoes and basil. It fits well into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use high heat
High temperatures ensure a crisp crust and quick cooking.
Do not overload
Too much sauce or cheese can make the pizza soggy.
Tear mozzarella by hand
This creates better texture and melt.
Add basil after baking
This preserves its fresh aroma.
FAQs
What makes it Margherita?
The combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil defines it.
Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, good-quality store-bought dough works well.
Is a pizza stone necessary?
It helps, but a hot baking sheet also works.
Can I make the sauce from scratch?
Yes, simple crushed tomatoes with salt work well.
Should basil be baked?
It is best added after baking.
Can I grill this pizza?
Yes, grilling produces excellent results.
What flour is best for dough?
Bread flour or pizza flour works well.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, dough freezes well for later use.
Is this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, it is naturally vegetarian.
What pairs well with it?
A simple green salad pairs beautifully.
Conclusion
Pizza Margherita is a timeless recipe that highlights the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. With its balanced flavors and quick preparation, it remains a favorite for good reason. Whether made for a casual meal or shared with others, it delivers satisfaction in every slice.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!