Margherita pizza was born in Naples, Italy, a city known for its vibrant street food and rich culinary traditions. This classic dish, with its thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil, was designed to reflect the colors of the Italian flag. But its origin story runs deeper than just patriotic symbolism.
Legend has it that in 1889, Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples and was served three different pizzas by a local pizzaiolo named Raffaele Esposito. The queen favored the one topped with tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Esposito named it “Pizza Margherita” in her honor, and a legend was born.
What Makes a Margherita Pizza Authentic?
Authentic Margherita pizza follows strict traditional guidelines. The crust must be thin, with a slightly chewy texture and blistered edges from a high-temperature wood-fired oven. The tomatoes should be San Marzano, grown in the volcanic soil of Mount Vesuvius, offering a naturally sweet and rich flavor.
Fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte is gently torn over the sauce, not shredded, and fresh basil leaves are added either before or after baking, depending on preference. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil completes the pizza just before serving.
A Foundation for Brooklyn-Style Pizza
While Red Moon is known for our Brooklyn-style pizza, its DNA can be traced straight back to Margherita. Many of the techniques used in Naples made their way to Brooklyn through Italian immigrants who brought their recipes, tools, and traditions with them.
Brooklyn-style pizza expanded on these roots, introducing larger slices, a crispier base, and a bit more flexibility in toppings. But at its heart, the Margherita remains a blueprint for balance. It’s all about simple ingredients, carefully prepared.
Why Simplicity Wins Every Time
In a world full of loaded pies and experimental toppings, the Margherita pizza proves that less can truly be more. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of tangy tomato, creamy cheese, and fresh basil. The ingredients aren’t hidden—they shine.
This simplicity is also why Margherita pizza is such a great dish for home cooks. With a few quality ingredients and a hot oven, anyone can experience a little bit of Naples in their own kitchen.
Tips for Making Margherita Pizza at Home
If you want to try making this classic at home, start with a high-quality dough. Let it ferment overnight for better flavor. Use canned San Marzano tomatoes crushed by hand for a rustic sauce, and don’t overdo it. Less sauce means a better balance.
Buy fresh mozzarella and tear it into chunks instead of grating. If you can find fresh basil, tear the leaves and scatter them right before serving. Bake your pizza at the highest heat your oven can handle, ideally on a pizza stone or steel to mimic that Neapolitan texture.
A Staple Worth Celebrating
At Red Moon, we believe every pizza has a story. Margherita may not be the flashiest, but it’s a timeless reminder that good food doesn't need to be complicated. With its vibrant flavor and historic roots, it’s a dish we’ll always hold close to our hearts.
Whether you’re ordering from us or making your own at home, let the Margherita remind you of what really matters in food—freshness, flavor, and a whole lot of love.
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