Fire pizza margherita

Margherita pizza baked in a wood fire combines thin dough, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil, representing Neapolitan cuisine.

About this subject

Margherita pizza is a classic of Italian cuisine, originating from Naples. Its creation is traditionally attributed to pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito, who in 1889 prepared a pizza with the colors of the Italian flag to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy: red tomato, white mozzarella, and green basil. The original recipe uses simple, high quality ingredients: San Marzano tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil.

Traditional preparation involves an extremely hot wood fired oven, around 485°C, which bakes the pizza in 60 to 90 seconds. This high temperature yields a slightly charred crust and a tender, elastic interior. The dough texture results from a long fermentation, usually 24 hours, developing flavor and digestibility. This technique is recognized by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which certifies pizzerias worldwide.

Culturally, margherita pizza is a global icon, but its Neapolitan version was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2017. Regional variations exist; in Brazil, versions with regular mozzarella or even catupiry are common, but the original remains the most ordered in specialized pizzerias. The fire in preparation is not merely technical: it imparts a characteristic smoky flavor and is an essential part of the artisanal pizza experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between margherita pizza and Neapolitan pizza?

Margherita pizza is a specific type of Neapolitan pizza. Neapolitan pizza is the category including pizzas made according to Naples tradition, with thin dough and raised edges. Margherita is the version with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil.

Why is a wood fired oven important for margherita pizza?

A wood fired oven reaches very high temperatures, around 485°C (905°F), cooking the pizza quickly, creating a crispy crust outside and soft inside, while also imparting a characteristic smoky flavor.

Does the original margherita pizza have oregano?

No. The original Neapolitan margherita pizza recipe only includes tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil. Oregano is not traditional in this version.