Authentic Neapolitan Pizza a Taste of Italy at Home

Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of "00" flour for my Italian Pizza?

While you *can* use all-purpose flour in a pinch, "00" flour is highly recommended for authentic Italian Pizza. It's milled much finer and has a lower protein content, which creates a softer, more pliable dough that results in that signature Neapolitan chew. Using all purpose will affect the final result, so it's advisable to use type "00" flour if possible.

Authentic Italian Pizza Neapolitan Recipe at Home

By Sally ThompsonSeptember 14, 2025

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Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever dreamt of Naples? I have! This Italian Pizza Recipe will transport you there. Expect a bubbly crust and a tangy tomato flavour, bellissimo !

Brief Overview

Italian Pizza hails from Naples, Italy. It is traditionally cooked in a wood fired oven. But fear not, this Italian Pizza Recipe is achievable at home.

The difficulty is medium, mainly because of the dough. Total time? Allow 24- 72 hours for the dough to ferment.

This yields two 12 inch pizzas, perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

This Easy Homemade Pizza provides a good dose of deliciousness and, dare I say, happiness. It is perfect for a relaxed weekend meal.

This Authentic Pizza Dough is special, it brings a real taste of Italy.

Let's Talk Dough!

Ready to make Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe ? The first thing is the dough! Honestly, this is where the magic happens. We're using just a few ingredients.

00 Flour: 300g (10.6 oz) Water: 210ml (7 fl oz), lukewarm Fresh Yeast: 1g (1/3 tsp) or Active Dry Yeast: 0.3g (1/8 tsp) Fine Sea Salt: 8g (1 1/2 tsp)

Sauce It Up

The Pizza Sauce Homemade is also simple but vital. Here is what you are going to need.

San Marzano Tomatoes: 400g (14 oz) can, crushed Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) Garlic: 1 clove, minced Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp Salt and Black Pepper to taste.

Topping Time

Fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. This is the essence of Neapolitan Pizza Recipe . Remember, less is more with the toppings.

Fresh Mozzarella: 250g (8.8 oz), sliced or torn. Fresh Basil Leaves: 10-12 leaves. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For drizzling.

Equipment Needed

Do you have the right equipment? This Pizza Stone Recipe helps get that crispy base.

Pizza Stone or Baking Steel Pizza Peel (optional but useful) Large mixing bowl Plastic wrap or damp kitchen towel Oven thermometer.

I hope this Italian Pizza journey is fun. Now, go forth and create your own Making Homemade Pizza masterpiece.

Ingredients & Equipment for Authentic Italian Pizza

So, you wanna make proper Italian Pizza ? Awesome! Making Homemade Pizza is easier than you think. Let's break down what you'll need.

This isn't about fancy gadgets, just the stuff that really matters. Get ready for an Italian Pizza Recipe that'll wow everyone.

Main Ingredients for the Best Pizza Ever

Okay, first things first. Quality here is KEY. Trust me, it makes a huge difference.

For the Dough:
- 00 Flour : 300g (10.6 oz) . This is what gives your dough that amazing texture. Don't skimp.
- Water: 210ml (7 fl oz) , lukewarm. Not too hot, not too cold. Goldilocks water!
- Fresh Yeast: 1g (1/3 tsp) or Active Dry Yeast: 0.3g (1/8 tsp) . A little goes a long way.
- Fine Sea Salt: 8g (1 1/2 tsp) . It balances out the flavours.
For the Sauce (aka Pizza Sauce Homemade):
- San Marzano Tomatoes : 400g (14 oz) can, crushed. These are the real deal. Look for the DOP seal. Seriously.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Use the good stuff!
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Adds a little kick.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 tsp . Adds a classic flavor.
- Salt: To taste.
- Black Pepper: To taste.
For the Topping:
- Fresh Mozzarella: 250g (8.8 oz) , sliced or torn. Fior di latte is amazing if you can find it.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 10-12 leaves . For that fresh, vibrant finish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For drizzling. A final touch of flavour.

Seasoning to Perfection

Let's talk flavour! The right seasonings can elevate your Easy Homemade Pizza .

The magic combo: Garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. It's Italian Pizza 101.
A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes will add a little heat.
If you don't have fresh garlic, a tiny pinch of garlic powder will do in a pinch. I won't tell.

Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy wood fired oven for a fantastic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe , not today.

Pizza Stone or Baking Steel. Essential for that crispy crust. A Pizza Stone Recipe is your friend.
Pizza Peel (optional, but makes life so much easier).
Large mixing bowl.
Plastic wrap or damp kitchen towel. For proving that Authentic Pizza Dough .
Oven thermometer. To make sure your oven is actually at the right temp. Aim for 500- 550° F (260- 290° C) !
- A large countertop will be a necessity.

See? Nothing too crazy. Let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Blast It in a Super Hot Oven!

Honestly, the secret to proper Italian Pizza isn't some fancy technique. It's heat. Raging, inferno level heat. We're talking replicating those wood fired ovens you see in Naples.

Ready to learn about Pizza Stone Recipe ?

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks (and Tomatoes) in a Row

First, mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything ready! Crush your San Marzano Pizza tomatoes. Slice that fresh mozzarella.

Have your basil leaves washed and ready. Honestly, nothing's worse than scrambling while your dough's waiting.

Time saving tip: Make your Pizza Sauce Homemade a day ahead. The flavours meld beautifully. Safety Reminder : Mind your fingers when slicing! We want pizza, not a trip to A&E.

step-by-step: From Dough to Deliciousness

Okay, here we go! Remember to have fun while you are Making Homemade Pizza

Stretch your Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe gently into a 12 inch circle. Don't roll it!
Spoon on a thin layer of your amazing tomato sauce.
Scatter mozzarella slices evenly.
Slide that bad boy onto your preheated pizza stone.
Bake for 5- 8 minutes at 260- 290° C , until the crust is charred.
Top with basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Devour!

That char on the crust? That's the Authentic Pizza Dough magic. You're looking for that leopard spotting! Don't let the pizza get soggy.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pizza Game

Want that Neapolitan Pizza Recipe perfection? First, high heat is absolutely key . Make sure that pizza stone is scorching. I once tried rushing this, and ended up with a pale, sad excuse for pizza.

Learn from my mistakes!

Second, don't overload the pizza. Less is more. Too many toppings make the crust soggy. I promise. It's hard to resist, but trust me.

Finally, a Easy Homemade Pizza is a great pizza. If you can make the sauce and dough a day ahead.

It makes this easier for you.

Enjoy your Italian Pizza Recipe journey!

Recipe Notes for Your Italian Pizza Masterpiece

Honestly, making your own Italian Pizza Recipe at home is easier than you think. But, like anything worth doing, a few pointers can make all the difference.

Trust me, I've had my fair share of pizza fails before perfecting this recipe! So here are some pro-tips to help you out!

Serving Suggestions: Pizza Perfection!

Presentation matters, even with pizza! For a classic look, serve your Italian Pizza on a wooden board. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds colour.

Wanna be fancy? Drizzle with a high-quality balsamic glaze. Complementary sides? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect.

And a cold Italian beer? Perfetto! It's like a mini Italian holiday on a plate.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh!

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but you never know!) Wrap your Easy Homemade Pizza slices individually in foil. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .

Freezing? It's an option! Place slices in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Reheat in a preheated oven ( 350° F / 175° C ) for about 10 minutes .

Just don't expect it to be exactly the same as fresh.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Feeling adventurous? Adapt this Neapolitan Pizza Recipe to your liking! For a vegetarian option, add roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.

It's amazing. Need a gluten-free pizza? Try a high-quality gluten-free pizza dough. It doesn't taste the same, but it is still good! This Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe is adaptable to your needs!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body

Alright, let's talk numbers. Each slice of this Authentic Pizza Dough is about 550-650 calories . It is packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs.

The San Marzano Pizza Sauce Homemade provides vitamin C. But hey, it's pizza! Enjoy it in moderation. Life's too short to skip the good stuff.

Honestly, Making Homemade Pizza is a rewarding experience. And using your Pizza Stone Recipe is even better! Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

Before you know it, you'll be an Italian Pizza pro. You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the dough for Italian Pizza need to rise for so long? That seems like ages!

The long fermentation process (24-72 hours) is absolutely key to an authentic Italian Pizza dough. It allows the yeast to develop complex flavours, resulting in a lighter, airier, and more digestible crust. Think of it like ageing a fine wine - time is your friend!

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of "00" flour for my Italian Pizza?

While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, "00" flour is highly recommended for authentic Italian Pizza. It's milled much finer and has a lower protein content, which creates a softer, more pliable dough that results in that signature Neapolitan chew.

Using all purpose will affect the final result, so it's advisable to use type "00" flour if possible.

My oven doesn't get as hot as the recipe recommends. Can I still make great Italian Pizza?

Absolutely! While a super hot oven (500-550°F/260-290°C) is ideal, you can still achieve fantastic results at a lower temperature. Preheat your oven for a full hour with the pizza stone inside to maximize heat retention.

You might need to bake the pizza for a minute or two longer, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

What's the best way to store leftover Italian Pizza, assuming there are any leftovers?

Leftover Italian Pizza is best stored in the refrigerator. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. To reheat, you can use the oven (for a crispier crust), a skillet (for a slightly softer crust), or even a microwave (though the crust won't be as crisp).

You can sprinkle some water to the pizza prior to reheating it so the pizza wont dry out

Can I freeze Italian Pizza dough for later use?

Yes, freezing the dough is a great way to have pizza ready at a moment's notice. After the first rise, divide the dough into portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in freezer bags. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.

You might need to give it a little extra time to proof after thawing.