Marinato-Style Margherita Pizza

Introduction

This Marinato style Margherita pizza takes the classic back to basics with a bright, herb forward finish and a golden, bubbly cheese crown. It’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to bring out for guests. If you love simple, fresh toppings and a crisp crust you can also pair it with fun party bites like these cheesy sticks from Cookaza for a full spread: Copycat Pizza Hut Cheese Sticks. The balance of sweet grape tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a three cheese blend makes every slice look and taste like a small celebration.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe is a brilliant pick when you want big flavor with minimal fuss. The 10-inch crust keeps portions controlled and gives a lovely ratio of crisp edge to cheesy center. Using a provolone and fontina blend with shredded mozzarella creates an ultra melty, slightly nutty blanket that browns beautifully in a hot oven. Halved rainbow grape tomatoes add pops of color and a burst of sweet acidity against the creamy cheese. If you are planning a festive table, consider serving alongside cute handheld pizzas like these holiday mini options for a playful touch: Christmas Tree Mini Pizzas. The whole process is visual, fast, and perfect for photos or a Pinterest friendly post.

Flavor and Texture

Every bite offers a contrast of textures that keeps the palate interested. The crust should be crisp at the base and slightly chewy at the rim while the cheese layer turns silky and bubbly. Fresh basil releases its aroma when it meets hot cheese, lifting the tomato sweetness and brightening each slice. Thin sliced garlic gives subtle warmth without overpowering the fresh toppings. A final drizzle of olive oil adds a glossy finish and helps the black pepper bloom on the surface.

Ingredients

– 10-inch pizza crust
– 5 ounces shredded mozzarella
– provolone
– fontina blend
– 12 rainbow grape tomatoes, halved
– 2 basil leaves, cut into pieces
– 1 clove garlic, sliced
– Black pepper, to taste
– 4 tablespoons olive oil

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Spread shredded cheese evenly over the pizza crust.
3. Arrange halved grape tomatoes, basil pieces, and sliced garlic on top of the cheese.
4. Season with black pepper and drizzle olive oil over the toppings.
5. Transfer pizza to the preheated stone or baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, slice, and serve immediately.

Tips for Best Results

For the crispiest base, make sure your oven and stone or baking sheet are fully preheated before the pizza goes in. Cut the grape tomatoes small enough that they release juices quickly without weighing the crust down. Tear the basil into pieces rather than chopping to preserve aromatic oils and avoid bruising the leaves. Use room temperature cheese so it melts evenly and achieve a mid-oven shelf position if your top element runs hot. Finish with a light but confident drizzle of olive oil for shine and flavor.

Storage and Make Ahead

This pizza is best eaten the day it is made but stores well for one to two days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a hot oven or on a preheated skillet to bring back crispness instead of using a microwave. You can assemble the pizza ahead of time up to the point of baking and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours. If you freeze, do so before baking and add a couple of minutes to the bake time when cooking from frozen.

Final Thought

A Marinato style Margherita is proof that simple ingredients prepared with care can be unforgettable. Bright tomatoes, fragrant basil, and melty cheese make for a slice that looks as good as it tastes. Keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation for an easy, elegant meal.

Conclusion

If you want a convenient ready made option for a similar Margherita experience, grab a CustomMade Margherita Pizza on Instacart: CustomMade Margherita Pizza.

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