The Ultimate Homemade Neapolitan Pizza
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Let's Make Pizza!
Fancy making a pizza recipe from scratch ? Ever wondered if you can make something as good as your local pizzeria? Honestly, it's easier than you think! We're diving into making a Proper Neapolitan pizza, just like they do in Italy.
It's all about simplicity, fresh ingredients, and that amazing bubbly crust.
Neapolitan Dreams: Your Authentic Pizza Awaits!
This isn't just any pizza. This is an authentic Italian pizza recipe that you can whip up in your own kitchen.
Think of it as a culinary trip to Naples, but without the airfare. It's more than just a meal; it's an experience.
The Lowdown on This Pizza Dough Recipe
This is a medium difficulty bake. Don't worry if you are not a pro! It needs a little patience, especially when it comes to the dough.
Think of a good two hours or so to get everything right. This easy pizza dough recipe will make two perfect 12 inch pizzas.
Perfect for sharing... or not!
Why This Pizza Rocks
The magic is in its simplicity and freshness. This recipe uses the best flour for pizza dough . You know, using good ingredients makes all the difference! The resulting pizza is lighter and far more digestable.
Plus, it's just seriously impressive to pull off a pizza this good at home. Talk about a perfect night with homemade treats!
Let's get to the ingredients list! The foundation of a perfect Homemade Neapolitan pizza recipe lies in the dough.
Alright, let's dive into the heart of our pizza recipe from scratch adventure. Honestly, getting the ingredients right is half the battle.
It’s like painting: even the best artist can't create a masterpiece with shoddy supplies.
Ingredients & Equipment: Cracking the Code
Main Ingredients: The A-Team
Alright, here's the breakdown for making two proper 12 inch pizzas. This Best Pizza Dough Recipe starts with:
- Yeast: 1 teaspoon (5ml) active dry yeast. Make sure it's not ancient; that'll kill your dough before it even starts.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (6g). Feeds the yeast, makes it happy.
- Water: 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water ( 105- 115° F / 40- 46° C ). Think baby bathwater, not boiling lava.
- Flour: 3 1/2 cups (420g) all-purpose flour. We can use also " Best flour for pizza dough ". Plus extra for dusting.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g). Flavor, baby!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml), plus extra for greasing. Use the good stuff, you know.
For the sauce, that Pizza sauce recipe from scratch needs:
- Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes. San Marzano if you can swing it, but honestly, any decent canned crushed tomatoes will do.
- Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon (5ml).
- Garlic: 1 clove , minced.
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) dried oregano.
- Salt and pepper.
Finally, the toppings. Let's talk Homemade pizza toppings ideas !
- Mozzarella: 8 ounces (225g) fresh mozzarella. The fresh stuff makes all the difference.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish. Because we're fancy like that.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Oregano is key here. It's that Authentic Italian pizza recipe flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is always a winner. Honestly, feel free to experiment!
Equipment Needed: Bare Essentials
To knock out this Easy Pizza Dough , Pizza Dough Recipe Easy , and Quick And Easy Homemade Pizza Dough you’ll need:
- Large mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Pizza peel.
- Oven.
- Small saucepan.
Don't have a pizza peel? A large, flat baking sheet will do in a pinch. No pizza stone? Crank that baking sheet up to the highest temperature , but really, get a pizza stone.
Your pizzas will thank you. I managed, with a pizza stone get a Homemade Neapolitan pizza recipe , so can you.
My first attempt at pizza? Oh my gosh, a disaster. I tried to use a rolling pin on the dough (don't!).
It was tough as old boots. Learn from my mistakes, alright? This DIY Pizza Dough Easy No Yeast is easy to learn.
Enjoy your new easy pizza dough !
Nailed It! Baking Your Own Slice of Italy
Fancy a bit of Italy without the airfare? Honestly, learning to make pizza recipe from scratch is easier than finding decent parking in London! This isn't just any pizza recipe from scratch , it's your passport to proper Neapolitan style deliciousness.
Trust me; once you nail this, shop bought pizza will be dead to you. And hey, even if your first attempt looks a bit wonky, it'll still taste blummin' amazing!
Prep Steps: Ready, Steady, Dough!
First things first, let's get organised. That's mise en place , for those of you playing along at home. Get all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.
It saves a massive headache later. A Best Pizza Dough Recipe needs a solid foundation. Pro tip: Warm the water to between 40- 46° C .
Too hot and you'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate.
step-by-step: Pizza Perfection
- Yeast Magic: Mix 1 teaspoon of yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 300ml of warm water. Wait 5- 10 minutes until it's frothy.
- Dough Time: Mix 420g flour and 6g of salt. Add the yeast mixture and 30ml olive oil. Mix till it's a shaggy mess.
- Knead It Out: Knead on a floured surface for 8- 10 minutes . You want it smooth and elastic.
- Rise and Shine: Pop the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for at least 1 hour , or even better, 2- 24 hours in the fridge. This is where the real magic happens. The Authentic Italian pizza recipe taste will show in the end result.
- Sauce It Up: Simmer crushed tomatoes, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper for 15 minutes . Job's a good 'un!
Pro Tips: Pizza Ninja Moves
Avoid over kneading the dough; it will make it tough. Remember less is more when it comes to homemade pizza toppings ideas .
Resist the urge to pile everything on. I've been there, done that, got the soggy pizza. Also, for an Easy Pizza Dough , a slow rise in the fridge really amps up the flavour.
It's like a spa day for your dough!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You Say "Bellissimo!"
Alright, you've got the pizza recipe from scratch , now let's chat about the little things that make it sing . Honestly, this is where you can really make it your own!
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Insta Worthy
Presentation is key, right? Forget floppy slices! Try cutting your pizza recipe from scratch into squares for a more rustic, trattoria vibe.
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves? Chef's kiss!
For sides, think classic: a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Or, if you're feeling fancy, some garlicky breadsticks are always a win.
A crisp Italian beer or a light Chianti ? Perfetto!
Storage Tips: Because Leftover Pizza is a Blessing
Refrigerate leftover pizza recipe from scratch slices in an airtight container. They're good for about 3 days. Reheat in the oven ( 350° F / 175° C for 10 minutes) for the best results.
Microwaving works, but the crust won't be as crispy.
Freezing? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat straight from frozen at 375° F / 190° C .
Variations: Get Creative, Mate!
Fancy a twist on your pizza recipe from scratch ? For a vegetarian option, load up on roasted veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Swap the mozzarella for some creamy goat cheese seriously divine!
If you're trying to avoid gluten, use a gluten-free pizza dough . Remember, there's a lot of homemade pizza toppings ideas , so don't be afraid to experiment.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Each slice of your glorious pizza recipe from scratch contains roughly 450 calories , along with a good dose of protein (around 20g ) and carbs (about 55g ).
Hey, everything in moderation, eh?
It's also got fibre (around 3g ), so it’s not all bad! The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants, and the olive oil is good for your heart.
We're not saying it's health food, but it's a darn sight better than a takeaway!
This best pizza dough recipe is your blank canvas. So go forth, get cooking, and enjoy every single bite. Honestly, once you nail the dough, you'll be making amazing pizzas all the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my pizza dough so sticky? Can I still make the pizza recipe from scratch with it?
Sticky dough is usually a sign of too much moisture or not enough flour. Don't worry, you can usually salvage it! Gradually add a tablespoon or two of flour at a time while kneading until the dough becomes manageable. Remember, you want a dough that's slightly tacky, not completely stuck to your hands.
Keep going, you've got this!
My oven doesn't go up to 500°F (260°C). Can I still make a good pizza?
Absolutely! While a super hot oven is ideal for that classic Neapolitan char, you can still achieve a delicious pizza at lower temperatures. Just preheat your oven and pizza stone (or baking sheet) for a longer period (at least 45 minutes to an hour) to ensure it's thoroughly heated.
You might need to bake the pizza for a few extra minutes to get the crust golden brown. Think of it as more "Artisan" than "Naples"!
How do I prevent my pizza from sticking to the peel when I'm transferring it to the oven?
Ah, the dreaded pizza launch! The key is using enough flour or cornmeal on your pizza peel. Before placing the dough on the peel, sprinkle it generously with either. Then, give the peel a little shake to make sure the pizza moves freely. If it's sticking, gently lift edges and add more flour underneath.
A well lubricated peel is your best friend.
Can I make the pizza dough ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, making the dough ahead of time often improves the flavor. You can let the dough rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours (or even 48 for a richer flavour). Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before shaping it.
This allows the gluten to relax and makes it easier to work with. It's like giving your dough a spa day!
What are some good topping ideas for my homemade pizza from scratch besides the classic Margherita?
The pizza topping possibilities are endless! Think about your favourite flavours. For something savoury, try a combination of mushrooms, sausage, and onions. For a spicier kick, add pepperoni, jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot honey.
You could even experiment with a white pizza, using ricotta cheese, garlic, and spinach. Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor your pizza to your tastes. Remember, pizza is all about having fun!
How should I store leftover pizza and reheat it so it's still good?
Leftover pizza is a gift! To store, let the pizza cool completely and then wrap individual slices in foil or place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For reheating, the oven is your best bet for crispy crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the slices for 5-10 minutes.
A quick zap in the microwave will do in a pinch, but be warned, the crust may be a bit softer. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!
The Ultimate Homemade Neapolitan Pizza
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 3g |