Have you ever wondered what a margherita pizza is? and what makes it so special? you are not alone in wondering. but this simple looking legendery pizza is one of the most popular all over the world. it may seem basic at first glance, but each ingredient creates a powerful flavor

Margherita pizza is proof that you dont need dozens of toppings to create something unforgettable just a few high quality ingredients perfectly balanced can create magic

Lets explore everything from its toppings and history to how authentic pizza Margherita dough is made in both the USA and UK styles

The History Behind Margherita Pizza

Before we answer what is on Margherita pizza its important to understand where it came from

Margherita pizza was first made in naples itly in 1889. According to popular legend a Neapolitan pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito made a pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy he used ingredients that represented the Italian flag

• Red Tomato sauce
• White Fresh mozzarella
• Green Fresh basil

The Queen loved it and the pizza was named after her Pizza Margherita

Today it remains one of the purest forms of pizza and is even protected under traditional Neapolitan pizza guidelines in Italy

Margherita Pizza? (Traditional Toppings Explained)

Many people ask. what is on Margherita pizza exactly? The answer is beautifully simple.

Authentic Margherita pizza includes only:

1. Pizza Dough

Thin; soft; and slightly chewy — the foundation of the pizza

2. San Marzano Tomato Sauce

These Italian tomatoes are naturally sweet and less acidic

3. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Traditionally buffalo mozzarella [Mozzarella di Bufala]

4. Fresh Basil Leaves

Added before or after baking for aroma and freshness

5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Drizzled lightly for richness

That’s it..

No pepperoni
No mushrooms
No overloaded cheese

Just balance and simplicity

Why Simplicity Makes It So Special

Unlike heavily topped pizzas margherita pizza relies on

• Ingredient quality
• Proper dough fermentation
• High temperature baking
• Perfect ingredient ratios

Each bite delivers

• Slight tang from tomatoes
• Creamy melt from mozzarella
• Herbal freshness from basil
• Smoky crispness from the crust

This is why its loved in both the USA and the UK despite regional pizza differences.

Pizza Margherita Dough: The Heart of the Recipe

Now let’s talk about something equally important pizza Margherita dough.

Many people think toppings make pizza great but professionals know the dough is everything.

Authentic pizza Margherita dough uses only

• Flour
• Water
• Salt
• Yeast

No sugar.
No oil [in traditional Neapolitan dough]

Ingredients for Authentic Pizza Margherita Dough

Here’s a classic recipe [Neapolitan style]

• 500g ”00” flour [preferred in UK & Europe]
• 325ml lukewarm water
• 10g salt
• 3g fresh yeast [or 1g dry yeast]

Why “00” Flour?

In the UK, ”00” flour is commonly used because it produces

• Softer texture
• Better elasticity
• Authentic Italian structure

In the USA many home cooks use bread flour, which creates a slightly chewier crust

Both work but 00 flour gives that traditional light texture.

How to Make Pizza Margherita Dough (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Activate Yeast

Mix yeast into lukewarm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Flour and Salt

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.

Step 3: Combine

Slowly add the water mixture to flour. Mix until a rough dough forms.

Step 4: Knead

Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 5: First Rise

Cover and let rise for 8–24 hours (slow fermentation gives better flavor).

Step 6: Divide

Split into equal dough balls.

Step 7: Second Rise

Let rest for 2–4 hours before shaping.

Long fermentation improves:

• Flavor
• Digestibility
• Texture
• Air bubbles in crust

This is what separates good pizza from great pizza.

USA vs UK: Differences in Margherita Pizza

Although the core ingredients remain the same, there are subtle differences.

In the USA

• Slightly thicker crust in many pizzerias
• Often more mozzarella used
• Sometimes low-moisture mozzarella instead of fresh
• Baked in conventional ovens

American style is slightly richer and cheesier.

In the UK

• More focus on authentic Italian style
• “00” flour widely available
• Thinner crust common in artisan pizzerias
• More emphasis on fresh mozzarella

UK versions often stay closer to Neapolitan traditions.

Both styles are delicious — just slightly different interpretations.

How to Assemble a Perfect Margherita Pizza

Now that we understand what is on Margherita pizza and how to prepare pizza Margherita dough, let’s assemble it.

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set to highest temperature (250–300°C / 475–550°F).
Use a pizza stone if possible.

Step 2: Shape the Dough

Gently stretch by hand — avoid using a rolling pin.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce

Spread a thin layer. Don’t overload.

Step 4: Add Mozzarella

Tear fresh mozzarella into chunks.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 7–10 minutes (or 90 seconds in a pizza oven).

Step 6: Finish

Add fresh basil and drizzle olive oil.

That’s it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong.

Here’s what to avoid:

❌ Too much sauce
❌ Too much cheese
❌ Using cold dough straight from fridge
❌ Rolling dough with a pin
❌ Baking at low temperature
❌ Using poor quality tomatoes

Remember: less is more.

Why Margherita Pizza Is So Popular Worldwide

Margherita pizza works because it’s:

• Vegetarian – friendly
• Light yet satisfying
• Easy to customize
• Budget – friendly
• Authentic and traditional

It also appeals to people who want a clean, simple flavor without heavy toppings.

In many pizza competitions worldwide judges use Margherita pizza as a benchmark If a chef cant master this they cant master pizza

Can You Customize Margherita Pizza?

Purists say no.

But realistically? Yes.

Popular additions include:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Burrata
• Oregano
• Garlic
• Chilli flakes

However, once you add many toppings its no longer a traditional Margherita

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Slice)

Calories: 200 – 250

• Protein: 8; 10g
• Carbs: 25; 30g
• Fat: 8; 10g

It’s lighter than most meat loaded pizzas

Final Thoughts

So what is on Margherita pizza?

Just five beautiful ingredients

• Pizza dough
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella
• Basil
• Olive oil

And what makes it truly special?

The pizza Margherita dough properly fermented soft airy and baked at high heat

Whether you are in the USA enjoying a slightly cheesier version or in the UK savoring a traditional Neapolitan style base made with ”00” flour, the heart of Margherita pizza remains the same simplicity quality and balance

Sometimes the best things in life don’t need extra toppings

They just need to be done right.