Effortless Margherita Flatbread

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Experience the authentic taste of Italy right in your kitchen with this incredibly Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe. Ready in under 20 minutes, this culinary delight is elevated by the rich, robust flavor of Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes, promising the freshest flatbread you’ll find outside of Naples!

This Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and thanks to Hunt's San Marzano style tomatoes, it's the freshest flatbread you'll get this side of Italy!

When it comes to pizza, the Margherita reigns supreme in my heart. There’s an undeniable charm in its simplicity – the vibrant red of ripe tomatoes, the pristine white of fresh mozzarella, and the verdant green of fragrant basil. This classic combination evokes sunny Italian days and pure culinary joy, especially during the warmer months when garden tomatoes are at their peak. For years, our summers have been defined by grilling flatbread pizzas outdoors, and this Margherita rendition is consistently my top choice.

We often craft them into elongated flatbreads, allowing everyone to customize their toppings while sharing the same delectable, high-quality sauce. But why limit such a delightful experience to just one season? The good news is, you don’t have to! Thanks to Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes, you can savor this fresh and easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe any day of the year. These exceptional tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness and swiftly canned within 8 hours of leaving the field, ensuring that rich, sun-kissed flavor is locked in for your enjoyment, regardless of the season.

This Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and thanks to Hunt's San Marzano style tomatoes, it's the freshest flatbread you'll get this side of Italy!

I am a firm believer that exceptional dishes begin with exceptional ingredients. This principle holds especially true when crafting a sauce. If you start with high-quality tomatoes, you truly need very little else to make your dish sing. The natural sweetness and balanced acidity of premium tomatoes provide a foundation that’s both robust and delicate, allowing their inherent flavor to shine without the need for excessive seasoning or complicated additions.

San Marzano style tomatoes are a prime example of this philosophy. They are known for their naturally sweet, less acidic profile, fewer seeds, and thicker flesh, which makes them ideal for sauces and pizzas. These tomatoes are all-natural, steam-peeled, and contain only simple, wholesome ingredients. You won’t find any artificial additives or calcium chloride here – just pure tomato goodness, and they are Non-GMO Project Verified. This commitment to purity means you’re getting a product that’s as close to nature as possible, delivering an unparalleled taste experience.

For this particular Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe, I kept things incredibly simple, adding nothing extra to the tomatoes themselves—not even salt. Their inherently rich and robust flavor is more than sufficient. Beyond their superior quality, they are also wonderfully affordable, making gourmet taste accessible for everyday cooking. I recently picked up two cans during my shopping trip at Walmart, conveniently located in the canned tomato aisle. One was destined for these delightful flatbreads, and the other was reserved for an upcoming spaghetti night, a testament to their versatility and my trust in their flavor.

Hunt's San Marzano style tomatoes in a can at Walmart

What Exactly Is Margherita Pizza?

Margherita pizza is a culinary icon, celebrated for its elegant simplicity and vibrant flavors. Traditionally, it’s crafted with just six core ingredients: a crisp crust, sweet San Marzano style tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, aromatic fresh basil, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of exquisite extra-virgin olive oil. These components come together to create a harmonious balance that’s both comforting and sophisticated. In my personal adaptation for this flatbread, I like to add an extra layer of flavor by rubbing raw garlic over the warm crust and finishing with a grind of fresh black pepper over the cheese. This brings my version to seven ingredients, though most of them are likely pantry staples you already have on hand, making it incredibly easy to whip up anytime.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

Crafting the perfect Margherita flatbread requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating that classic, irresistible flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • **Family-style pizza crust:** A good quality pre-made crust is key for a quick and easy preparation.
  • **Extra virgin olive oil:** Essential for brushing the crust and enhancing overall flavor.
  • **Garlic cloves:** Fresh garlic, rubbed onto the warm crust, adds a fragrant, subtle heat.
  • **Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes:** The heart of the sauce, providing a sweet, rich, and authentic tomato base.
  • **Fresh mozzarella cheese:** Sliced fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, offering a creamy and mild contrast to the tomatoes.
  • **Salt:** A pinch to season the tomatoes and cheese, bringing out their natural flavors.
  • **Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth.
  • **Fresh basil:** Added after baking, fresh basil provides a vibrant aroma and classic Italian finish.

Ingredients for Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

How to Create Your Perfect Margherita Flatbread

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, ensuring a delicious meal in no time. Follow these simple steps for a homemade flatbread that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria:

Start by rolling out your family-style pizza dough onto a large sheet pan. To create two personalized flatbreads, simply cut the dough straight down the middle. Lightly brush both crusts generously with extra virgin olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown crispness. Bake the crusts in a preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes until they begin to firm up and turn lightly golden.

Brush oil onto pizza crust for Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

Once the crusts emerge from the oven, immediately slice a fresh garlic clove in half. While the crusts are still warm, rub the cut side of the garlic vigorously all over both surfaces. The warmth of the crust will help release the garlic’s aromatic oils, infusing the base with a wonderfully subtle, savory flavor that’s key to a great Margherita.

Rub garlic onto cooked pizza crust for Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

Next, prepare your sauce. Transfer the entire can of Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes into a large bowl. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands in there! Gently crush the tomatoes with your hands. This technique allows for a wonderfully rustic texture, leaving some larger pieces for a delightful burst of fresh tomato flavor. Avoid over-processing; a chunky, uneven consistency is exactly what you’re aiming for.

Place San Marzano tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hands

Evenly spread the crushed tomatoes over your prepared pizza crusts, leaving a small border for the edges. Don’t overload the crust; a thin, flavorful layer is all you need to allow the other ingredients to shine.

Place crushed tomatoes on top of cooked pizza crust

Generously top the crushed tomatoes with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. For an authentic touch, aim for an even distribution of cheese. Finish by sprinkling a pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper over the mozzarella. These seasonings enhance the flavors of the cheese and tomatoes without overpowering them.

Place fresh mozzarella on top of crushed tomatoes on pizza crust

Carefully place the flatbreads back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden brown and delightfully crispy. The aromas filling your kitchen will be incredible!

Once out of the oven, garnish each flatbread generously with fresh basil leaves. The heat from the pizza will gently warm the basil, releasing its fragrant oils. Slice each flatbread into 8 convenient pieces and serve immediately. Enjoy this simple yet exquisite taste of Italy!

Top margherita flatbread with fresh basil leaves

Grilling Your Margherita Flatbread Pizza for a Smoky Flavor

For those who love a smoky char and the experience of outdoor cooking, turning your Margherita flatbread into a grilled pizza is a fantastic option. Begin by lightly oiling one side of your pizza dough with extra virgin olive oil. Carefully place the dough, oiled side down, directly onto the grill grates over medium-high direct heat. While the first side cooks, brush the top side of the pizza dough with more olive oil. Cook the first side until it’s beautifully lightly charred, typically about 1-2 minutes, and the dough has become stiff. Flip it over and cook for an additional 30 seconds to one minute on the second side. It’s crucial to watch closely during this process, as grilling can cook very quickly, and you want to avoid burning the crust. Once flipped and lightly cooked, add your crushed Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Continue grilling with the lid closed for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is cooked through. Finish with fresh basil once off the grill.

How to Reheat Leftover Flatbread Pizza for Best Results

Don’t let leftover flatbread pizza go to waste! Reheating it properly can bring it back to its crispy, delicious best. The best method is to use a skillet. Place a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add just a touch of olive oil. Once warm, place a slice of your flatbread into the skillet. Reheat for 2-3 minutes, gently checking the underside, until the crust is wonderfully crispy again and the cheese is nicely melted. This method prevents the soggy crust often associated with microwave reheating, delivering a much more enjoyable experience.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Ultimate Flatbread Pizza

Achieving a truly outstanding flatbread pizza is easy when you keep a few key tips in mind:

  • **Choose a Quality Crust:** The foundation of your flatbread is paramount. Opt for a good quality, family-style pizza crust. Cutting it in half allows for easier handling and creates two perfectly sized flatbreads, making the assembly process incredibly quick and stress-free.
  • **Prioritize Premium Tomatoes:** As highlighted, the quality of your tomatoes significantly impacts the flavor. Always reach for great quality tomatoes, such as San Marzano style tomatoes. Their superior taste and texture will elevate your flatbread from good to extraordinary.
  • **Don’t Skimp on Fresh Mozzarella:** While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, fresh mozzarella offers a superior melt and creamier texture, contributing significantly to the authentic Margherita experience.
  • **Fresh Basil is Non-Negotiable:** The aromatic burst of fresh basil is what truly completes a Margherita. Add it *after* baking to preserve its vibrant color and delicate flavor.

Unleash Your Creativity: More Flatbread Recipe Ideas

While the classic Margherita is perfect in its own right, flatbreads are incredibly versatile, inviting endless possibilities for customization and flavor experimentation. Here are a few more exciting ideas to jazz up your homemade flatbread recipes:

  • **Pesto Perfection:** Elevate your Margherita flatbread by drizzling a vibrant pesto on top, either before or after baking. The fresh basil and nutty parmesan in pesto add another layer of herbaceous richness that complements the classic flavors beautifully.
  • **Balsamic Glaze Elegance:** For a touch of sweet and tangy sophistication, finish your Margherita flatbread recipe with a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. The reduction of balsamic vinegar adds a delightful counterpoint to the savory elements, enhancing the overall depth of flavor.
  • **Spicy Hot Honey Twist:** For those who crave a bit of heat and sweetness, we absolutely adore making a mixture of spreadable honey infused with red chili flakes. Drizzling this homemade hot honey over a finished Margherita flatbread pizza creates an incredible sweet, savory, and spicy sensation. It’s a truly fabulous and unexpected flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds!

Hot honey drizzled on top of flatbread pizza

Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe

Yield:
16 servings
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
25 minutes

This Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and thanks to Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes, it’s the freshest flatbread you’ll get this side of Italy!

Ingredients

  • 14.1 oz Family style pizza crust
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half
  • 28 oz Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes
  • 16 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • .5oz Fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Roll out pizza dough onto a large sheet pan. Cut straight down the middle to create 2 crusts. Brush with olive oil and bake in oven for 10 minutes to crisp up.
  3. When the crusts come out of the oven, slice a garlic clove in half and immediately rub it all over the warm crusts.
  4. Into a large bowl, add Hunt’s San Marzano style tomatoes and crush them with your hands for a rustic sauce.
  5. Evenly place the crushed tomatoes onto the par-baked pizza crusts.
  6. Top with fresh mozzarella cheese slices, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a grind of pepper.
  7. Place into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Slice each flatbread into 8 pieces and garnish generously with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 162Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 289mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 8g

All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.

© Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen


Cuisine:

American

/
Category: Dinner

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Easy Margherita Pizza Recipe

Hunt’s San Marzano Style tomatoes are truly a cut above the rest, distinguishing themselves with a distinct meaty texture and a rich, thick juice. These unique qualities are precisely what contribute to a deeply flavorful and robust base for any pasta sauce or tomato-centric dish. Their natural sweetness and balanced acidity effortlessly elevate any home-cooked meal, transforming ordinary recipes into something extraordinary with minimal effort. They are the secret ingredient to unlocking an authentic Italian taste profile in your own kitchen.

Don’t just take my word for it—try them today and explore even more delicious recipes that showcase the incredible versatility of these premium tomatoes. You can find a wealth of inspiration and culinary ideas by clicking here.

For an added bonus, be sure to click on the banner below to discover a fantastic cashback offer from Ibotta on Hunt’s San Marzano Style Tomatoes. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on this essential pantry item and bring authentic Italian flavor to your table more often!

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This Easy Margherita Flatbread Recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and thanks to Hunt's San Marzano style tomatoes, it's the freshest flatbread you'll get this side of Italy!