Description
Authentic Neapolitan pizza is a classic Italian pizza known for its soft, airy crust, simple toppings, and quick bake at very high temperatures.
Ingredients
- 00 flour – 500 g
- Water – 325 ml
- Sea salt – 10 g
- Fresh yeast – 3 g (or 1 g instant yeast)
- San Marzano tomatoes – 400 g (crushed)
- Fresh mozzarella (buffalo mozzarella preferred) – 250 g
- Extra virgin olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Fresh basil leaves – 8–10
Instructions
- Dissolve the yeast in water, then gradually mix in the flour until combined.
- Add salt and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10–12 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours.
- Divide the dough into 3–4 balls and rest for another 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat a pizza oven or home oven with a pizza stone to the highest temperature possible (450–500°C / 850–900°F for pizza ovens).
- Crush the tomatoes by hand and season lightly with salt.
- Stretch each dough ball gently into a 10–12 inch circle.
- Spread tomato sauce, add torn mozzarella, drizzle olive oil, and add basil.
- Bake for 60–90 seconds in a pizza oven (or 6–8 minutes in a home oven) until the crust is puffed and lightly charred.
Notes
- Do not use a rolling pin; stretch the dough by hand.
- Use minimal toppings to avoid a soggy pizza.
- High heat is essential for authentic texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian