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Classic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Discover how to make authentic Neapolitan pizza at home with this easy recipe. Featuring a soft, thin crust, fresh San Marzano tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella, this timeless Italian classic will transport you straight to Naples.

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the authentic flavors of Italy at home, this Neapolitan Pizza recipe is your perfect guide. Originating from Naples, this pizza has captivated food lovers worldwide with its simplicity and unmatched flavor. The tender, thin crust combined with the bright tang of San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil creates a culinary masterpiece that feels like a hug from the Italian countryside.


Why cook this recipe? Beyond its deliciousness, this Neapolitan pizza allows you to connect with centuries-old Italian traditions. It’s a wonderful meal to prepare for gatherings, date nights, or simply indulging in the joy of homemade pizza. Plus, this recipe’s straightforward approach ensures you’ll get restaurant-quality results without leaving your kitchen.


Tips for Success:

  1. Dough Perfection: Allow ample time for the dough to rise; overnight refrigeration enhances flavor and texture.

  2. Tomatoes Matter: Use high-quality, authentic San Marzano tomatoes for the best sauce.

  3. Oven Heat: If you don’t have a wood-fired oven, preheat a pizza stone at the highest temperature your oven allows.

  4. Cornmeal Trick: Sprinkle cornmeal on the pizza peel to prevent sticking and make transferring to the stone seamless.


Common Questions:

  • Can I use all-purpose flour? Yes, but "00" flour will yield the best results.

  • What if I don’t have fresh basil? Substitute with dried basil, but fresh is preferred for its aromatic quality.

  • How can I replicate a wood-fired oven? Use a pizza stone and preheat your oven to 500–550°F for a close approximation.

A Brief History

Neapolitan pizza, or "pizza Napoletana," traces its origins to 18th-century Naples. It rose to fame with the creation of Pizza Margherita in 1889, symbolizing the Italian flag with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Today, it’s celebrated globally for its simplicity, rich tradition, and irresistible flavor.

Making authentic Neapolitan pizza at home is a rewarding way to immerse yourself in Italian culinary heritage. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll enjoy the rich flavors and textures of Naples’ most famous dish, whether for a family dinner or a special occasion. Serve with a glass of wine, and you’ll feel like you’re dining in Italy.

Classic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Classic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons warm water (100–110°F)

  • ¾ teaspoon active dry yeast

  • 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

  • Cornmeal, for dusting


For the Toppings:

  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)

  • Kosher salt

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

  • Torn fresh basil, for topping


Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:Combine warm water and yeast in a small bowl, stirring to dissolve.
    In a medium bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir to create a shaggy dough.
    Knead the dough on a lightly oiled surface until smooth and elastic (about 3 minutes). Let it rise under an inverted bowl for 30 minutes.
    Divide the dough into four pieces and shape into balls. Arrange them on a lightly oiled baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight.

  2. Prepare the Dough for Baking:Remove the dough from the refrigerator 2 hours before baking. Let it sit, covered, until ready to use.
    Preheat a pizza stone on the middle oven rack at 500°F (or 550°F, if possible) for 1 hour.

  3. Make the Sauce:Blend the tomatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt until smooth.

  4. Assemble the Pizza:Sprinkle a pizza peel or baking sheet with cornmeal. Stretch a dough ball into an 8–10 inch circle.
    Spread ¼ cup of sauce on the crust. Top with mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt.

  5. Bake the Pizza:Transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling (7–9 minutes).
    Let cool slightly, garnish with basil, and repeat for the remaining pizzas.

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