Pizza Margherita

What is Pizza Margherita?

Pizza Margherita is a round, flat bread with a raised outer edge, known for its simple toppings and vibrant colors. The base is made from a wheat flour dough, which is stretched by hand. It is topped with crushed tomatoes, slices of mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The pizza is baked at high heat, often in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a crisp yet tender crust. The combination of tomato, cheese, and basil gives it a fresh, balanced flavor.

Where does Pizza Margherita come from?

The combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil on pizza was already common in Naples by the early 1800s. Historical records from the mid-19th century mention pizzas with these ingredients. A well-known story claims that in 1889, a pizza maker named Raffaele Esposito created this pizza to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy, choosing toppings to reflect the Italian flag. However, later research suggests this tale may have been promoted decades later, and the name Margherita only became widespread in the 20th century.

How is Pizza Margherita made?

To make Pizza Margherita, a dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast is kneaded and left to rise. The dough is then shaped into a disc by pressing and stretching it outward with the fingers. Crushed peeled tomatoes are spread over the surface, followed by slices of mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves. A little extra virgin olive oil is drizzled on top. The pizza is baked quickly at high temperature, traditionally in a wood-fired brick oven.

How and when is Pizza Margherita eaten?

Pizza Margherita is typically eaten hot, straight from the oven. In Naples, it may be served whole on a plate or folded into quarters and wrapped in paper for eating by hand, a style called 'pizza a portafoglio' or 'a libretto.' It is a popular choice for lunch or dinner, enjoyed both in pizzerias and as a street snack. The simple toppings make it a favorite for those who appreciate classic flavors.

Kinds of Pizza Margherita

While the classic version uses either buffalo or cow's milk mozzarella, some pizzerias may use slightly different cheeses or doughs. The basic combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil remains the same, but toppings and baking methods can vary slightly between regions or individual pizza makers. Outside Naples, adaptations may include different oven types or dough recipes.

What Pizza Margherita means

Pizza Margherita is closely linked to the city of Naples and is a symbol of Neapolitan culinary tradition. A commemorative plaque in Naples marks the 100th anniversary of its naming. The pizza’s colors are often said to represent the Italian flag, and it is considered an iconic Italian dish, recognized both in Italy and abroad as a standard for authentic pizza.

Questions people ask about Pizza Margherita

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Pizza Margherita on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data