Pizza Express Margherita Recipe (Ready in 85 Min)

If you've got yeast, passata and mozzarella, you're most of the way to this Italian dish: about 85 minutes of cooking across 12 steps. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 12 steps.

You'll mainly reach for oven and baking tray. At medium difficulty across 12 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.

How to make it

1 Preheat the oven to 230°C.
2 Add the sugar and crumble the fresh yeast into warm water.
3 Allow the mixture to stand for 10 – 15 minutes in a warm place (we find a windowsill on a sunny day works best) until froth develops on the surface.
4 Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl, make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
5 Lightly flour your hands, and slowly mix the ingredients together until they bind.
6 Generously dust your surface with flour.
7 Throw down the dough and begin kneading for 10 minutes until smooth, silky and soft.
8 Place in a lightly oiled, non-stick baking tray (we use a round one, but any shape will do!)
9 Spread the passata on top making sure you go to the edge.
10 Evenly place the mozzarella (or other cheese) on top, season with the oregano and black pepper, then drizzle with a little olive oil.
11 Cook in the oven for 10 – 12 minutes until the cheese slightly colours.
12 When ready, place the basil leaf on top and tuck in!

You'll use: Oven · Baking tray

Tips & common questions

How long does Pizza Express Margherita take to make?

About 85 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 12 steps and 11 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.

Is Pizza Express Margherita vegetarian?

Its ingredients contain no meat or fish, so it's suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheeses for animal rennet if that matters to you.