Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsNapoli Italian EateryHouse Red Margherita Sauce Pizza Recipe

House Red Margherita Sauce Pizza Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

Fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Dough

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.

  3. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.

  4. 4

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    Let Dough Rise

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Sauce Preparation

  1. 6

    Prepare Tomatoes

    In a blender, add the canned whole tomatoes and blend until smooth.

  2. 7

    Cook Sauce

    In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  3. 8

    Combine Ingredients

    Stir in the blended tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pizza Assembly

  1. 9

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

  2. 10

    Shape Dough

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Roll or stretch it into a 12-inch round.

  3. 11

    Add Sauce

    Spread a layer of the prepared sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

  4. 12

    Add Cheese and Toppings

    Evenly distribute the sliced fresh mozzarella over the sauce and sprinkle with additional fresh basil leaves.

  5. 13

    Drizzle with Olive Oil

    Drizzle olive oil over the pizza before placing it in the oven.

  6. 14

    Bake Pizza

    Transfer the pizza to the oven (or onto the hot pizza stone) and bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

Finishing Touches

  1. 15

    Slice and Serve

    Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve while hot.

More from Napoli Italian Eatery