As a true lover of food and entertaining, I have always cherished the tradition of pizza night. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, get creative in the kitchen, and indulge in delicious flavors. When my children were young, we made pizza night a cherished family ritual. We would roll up our sleeves, prepare the dough, and let our imaginations run wild with an array of fresh toppings. Witnessing the excitement in my kids’ eyes as the dough rose and transformed into the perfect crust was a joy like no other.
As the years passed and my children ventured off to college, pizza night evolved, but the tradition remained. This time, it was a delightful opportunity to share the joy of pizza-making with my husband, Andy. With his unwavering love for pizza, I introduced him to my perfected pizza-making skills, and together, we continued the cherished tradition. Our pizza night featured an array of delectable creations, including “The Andy,” a pizza adorned with all of his favorite toppings, a sweet and savory “S&S” pizza, and of course, “The GOAT,” our take on the classic Margarita pizza.
Speaking of the Margarita pizza, its origins in Naples, Italy, in the 19th century has always fascinated me. The story of pizza maker Raphael Esposito crafting this culinary masterpiece to honor the visit of Queen Margarita of Savoy and King Umberto I brings an enchanting historical dimension to this beloved dish. The symbolism of the Italian flag through the use of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is simply poetic.
Over the years, I’ve embarked on a quest to perfect my own rendition of the Margarita pizza. While I stay true to the traditional trio of tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella, and basil, I’ve added my own twist to elevate the flavors. Roasting the tomatoes in the oven imparts a rich, caramelized sweetness, and using burrata instead of Buffalo mozzarella brings a creamy, indulgent texture to each bite. Grilling the crust on both sides before layering on the toppings and finishing it in a wood-fired oven or a quality pizza oven adds a delightful smokiness and irresistible char to the pizza.
The secret to enhancing the flavors and textures of the Margarita pizza lies in the quality of the ingredients. I meticulously select the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes for roasting, and I rely on Publix’s fresh pizza dough, San Marzano tomatoes for the sauce, and top-quality mozzarella and burrata to bring my creation to life.
Creating this masterpiece is a labor of love, and the process is as essential as the end product. Through careful assembly, from the grilled crust to the dollops of creamy burrata and strategically placed roasted tomatoes and basil leaves, I build a pizza that not only delights the taste buds but also pleases the eye.
As the pizza bakes to perfection, I prepare the table, ensuring that it reflects the regal nature of this dish. With the finest dinnerware, silverware, and linen napkins, I set the stage for a truly royal dining experience. And as the pizza emerges from the grill, bubbling with melted cheese and adorned with vibrant toppings, I am reminded that this creation is truly fit for a king and queen.
In the end, it’s not just a pizza—it’s a culmination of cherished memories, a testament to creativity and passion, and a symbol of sharing love and joy with those closest to us. So, next time you embark on a pizza night, remember that it’s not just about the food itself; it’s about the tradition, the craftsmanship, and the love that goes into every slice.
Margarita pizza
Ingredients
- Dough balls: Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves to make them from scratch or grabbing a convenient pre-made option from Publix dough balls are the foundation of this delicious summer pizza.
- Pizza sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce works perfectly for a quick fix. But if you’re feeling inspired whip up Christina’s fresh pizza sauce for that extra burst of homemade flavor.
- Basil leaves: Fresh fragrant basil leaves add a pop of color and a hint of sweetness to each bite.
- Ripe tomatoes: Choose juicy sun-ripened tomatoes to bring that vibrant, summery taste to your pizza.
- Olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil is essential for that rich silky finish.
- Fresh thyme: Sprinkle on fresh thyme for a subtle earthiness that elevates the flavors.
- Maldon sea salt: This flaky gourmet salt adds the perfect crunch and enhances all the other ingredients.
- Burrata: Creamy and decadent Burrata cheese is a luxurious topping that melts beautifully on a hot pizza.
- Whole milk mozzarella: For that classic stretchy cheese pull, go for fresh, whole milk mozzarella.
