Name: Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 2 small garlic cloves; ½ teaspoon sea salt; Cornmeal, for dusting; 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, torn or thinly sliced; Fresh basil leaves; Red pepper flakes, for sprinkling

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 76 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of crafting a truly mouthwatering pizza from the comfort of your kitchen, this Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe is absolutely the one you need to try. This classic Italian favorite bursts with the bright flavors of fresh basil and the vibrant, slightly sweet taste of San Marzano tomatoes, all layered over a crispy, golden crust with creamy mozzarella that melts perfectly. It’s so satisfying to make and even more delightful to share with friends and family. The simplicity of the ingredients really lets each element shine, making this pizza both elegant and cozy.

On a white marbled surface, a round white floured dough sits on a white plate dusted with flour as the bottom layer. To the right, fresh green basil leaves form a thick middle layer next to a smooth, white mozzarella ball in a white bowl. Above, a dark bowl holds pale yellow flour with a silver scoop resting inside, creating a grainy texture layer. To the left, a glass container full of red whole peeled tomatoes in juice adds a shiny, smooth pop of color. Garlic cloves and a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes add texture and color at the top near a metal shaker and a clear olive oil bottle with a cork stopper. A red and white striped cloth lies partially under the white ingredients, creating a cozy kitchen feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You'll Need

Getting this pizza just right comes down to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every item on your list will help build that classic fresh and savory Margherita personality.

28-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes: This variety is prized for its rich, sweet flavor and low acidity, making the base sauce truly exceptional.
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a silky texture and a subtle fruity aroma that elevates your tomato sauce and finishing drizzle.
2 small garlic cloves: Provide a gentle zing and depth to the sauce without overpowering the freshness of the other ingredients.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while enhancing the overall flavor.
Cornmeal: Dusting the baking sheet with cornmeal keeps your dough from sticking and adds a slight crunch to the crust’s bottom.
1 pound pizza dough: Whether homemade or store-bought, this is your pizza’s foundation—crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese: Torn or thinly sliced to create creamy pools of melty goodness that make each bite irresistible.
Fresh basil leaves: The star herb that brings a punch of bright, herbal freshness as a topping.
Red pepper flakes: A little optional kick that can awaken your palate without overpowering the subtle flavors.

How to Make Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 500°F, ensuring a properly hot environment for a fantastic crust. While the oven heats, place the San Marzano tomatoes with their juices, olive oil, garlic, and sea salt into a food processor. Blend these ingredients until the sauce is silky smooth—this homemade touch packs a punch of freshness that canned sauces simply can’t match.

Step 2: Stretching the Dough

Lightly dust your baking sheet with cornmeal—it acts like magic to keep the dough from sticking while adding an enjoyable crunch to each bite. Then take your pizza dough and stretch it out into a large oval shape, just enough to cover the surface but still leaving some room for that lovely crust edge.

Step 3: Assembling the Pizza

Ladle a generous half cup of the fresh tomato sauce onto the stretched dough, spreading it evenly but leaving about a 1-inch border around the edges. This neat border will puff up beautifully in the oven, giving you that perfectly defined crust. Next, scatter the fresh mozzarella pieces evenly over the sauce, allowing cheese and sauce to mingle in every bite.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection

Pop your pizza into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the crust turns a tantalizing golden brown and the cheese bubbles and starts to brown slightly on top. This quick roasting locks in all those bright, fresh flavors while creating a crust that is both crisp and tender—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, immediately top with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Finally, drizzle a touch of extra-virgin olive oil over everything to add a luscious finish that ties all the flavors together. Slice and serve while the pizza is delightfully hot!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe

A round pizza dough on a white marbled surface is being spread with bright red tomato sauce using a spoon held by a woman's hand at the bottom right. The dough has a raised, light beige edge with a smooth texture and the sauce is unevenly spread, leaving some gaps that show the dough beneath. Around the pizza, there is a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, fresh green basil leaves on an orange plate, a silver shaker, a bottle of olive oil, and a brown bowl filled with grated cheese. The scene has a casual, homemade feel with a red and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A few fresh basil leaves are always classic, but have you tried adding thinly sliced cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving? These simple extras can add vibrant color and texture that make your pizza an even more memorable centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair this pizza with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for a balanced and satisfying meal. The fresh, bright flavors of the salad complement the richness of the cheese while keeping the overall meal light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe family-style on a wooden pizza peel or rustic board. Slice it up and let everyone grab a slice, or cut into small squares for an appetizer-style presentation at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices are a gift to any pizza lover! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the crust from drying out and the flavors fresh for a quick second night treat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your pizza, it’s best to do so before baking. Place the stretched dough with sauce and cheese on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap. You can store it for up to a month and bake it straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to your cook time.

Reheating

To revive your leftover or frozen pizza, warm it up in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp while gradually melting the cheese again, avoiding that dreaded soggy microwave pizza.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of tomato for the sauce?

While you can substitute other canned tomatoes, San Marzano tomatoes have a unique sweetness and low acidity that truly make a difference in the sauce’s flavor. If you want the authentic taste, it’s worth seeking them out.

Is it necessary to preheat the oven to 500°F?

Yes! A very hot oven is key to achieving that crispy, slightly charred crust reminiscent of wood-fired pizzerias. Lower temperatures usually result in a doughier or less crisp crust.

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can be adjusted for your preferred texture. Just remember to give it enough time to rise properly for the best results.

What’s the best way to store fresh basil before serving?

Keep basil fresh by storing it at room temperature in a glass of water, much like cut flowers, covered lightly with a plastic bag. Avoid refrigeration if possible, as too-cold temperatures can brown the leaves quickly.

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, but fresh burrata or a blend of mozzarella with a little fontina can also work well for a luxurious twist on the classic.

Final Thoughts

Making this Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe is such a joyful experience—you get to connect with all the wonderful flavors of Italy in a way that is both accessible and impressive. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how a handful of humble ingredients can come together into something truly spectacular. So grab your ingredients, invite some friends, and get ready to indulge in a pizza night that feels like a little celebration every time.

Easy Homemade Margherita Pizza with Fresh Basil and San Marzano Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need