If you love Italian food, then you must try Pizza Marinara one of the oldest and simplest Neapolitan pizzas ever created. Unlike other pizzas, it doesn’t use cheese, yet it delivers a rich, flavorful experience through the perfect balance of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, and olive oil.
Making pizza marinara at home is easy and rewarding, especially when you use high-quality ingredients and bake it at the right temperature. This guide will walk you through every step of creating an authentic Italian pizza right in your own kitchen.
Details
<strong>1 Pizza</strong>
<strong>15 minutes</strong>
<strong>2 minutes</strong>
<strong>17 minutes</strong>
Wood-fired oven / Pizza stone / Home oven
Italian (Neapolitan Style)
Tools You’ll Need
- Serrated knife
- Small bowls or ramekins
- Mixing bowl
- Pizza peel
- Pizza stone or wood-fired pizza oven
Print
Ingredients
240g sourdough or biga pizza dough
400g San Marzano tomatoes (or high-quality canned tomatoes)
1 garlic clove, finely sliced
5–6 tablespoons of tomato sauce
½ teaspoon dried oregano
8 fresh basil leaves
Pinch of sea salt
2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pizza Marinara
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic
Slice the garlic thinly using a small serrated knife.
Place the slices in a ramekin and drizzle olive oil over them.
This keeps the garlic soft and prevents burning during baking.
Step 2: Season the Basil
Mix a pinch of salt in cold water.
Dip the basil leaves for a few seconds this enhances their flavor and keeps them fresh when baked.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
Pour San Marzano tomatoes into a bowl, add sea salt, and crush them by hand.
The sauce should be slightly chunky it will reduce naturally during baking.
Set it aside for later use.
Step 4: Shape the Pizza Dough
On a lightly floured surface, press the dough gently from the center outward.
Keep the base thin and leave a slightly thicker edge for a soft crust.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
Spread 5–6 tablespoons of tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
Scatter the garlic slices across the pizza.
Add basil leaves (drained from the salted water).
Sprinkle dried oregano on top and drizzle a swirl of extra virgin olive oil.
Add black pepper if you like a little kick.
Step 6: Bake the Pizza
Preheat your pizza oven to 420–450°C (788–842°F).
Transfer the pizza onto a floured peel and slide it into the oven.
Bake for 1–2 minutes, turning it halfway through to ensure even cooking.
The crust should puff up and have light char marks just like a true Neapolitan pizza.
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories410
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
15g
20%
- Saturated Fat 2g 10%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 550mg 24%
- Total Carbohydrate
60g
22%
- Dietary Fiber 4g 15%
- Total Sugars 5g
- Protein 8g 16%
- Vitamin A 12mcg 2%
- Vitamin C 20mg 23%
- Calcium 3mg 1%
- Iron 12mg 67%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Final Thoughts About This Recipe
Making pizza marinara at home is simple, fast, and incredibly delicious. With just a few basic ingredients tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil you can create a true taste of Italy in your kitchen.
This classic Neapolitan pizza is proof that you don’t need cheese or fancy toppings to enjoy real flavor. Perfect for family dinners, pizza nights, or anyone craving an authentic Italian experience.
