Neapolitan pizza is the quintessential Italian pizza, known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients and thin, soft crust. Making authentic Neapolitan pizza at home requires a few essential ingredients and some attention to detail, but the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re a pizza enthusiast or a novice home cook, mastering Neapolitan pizza will elevate your pizza-making skills.
1. The Essential Ingredients
Authentic Neapolitan pizza is all about using the freshest and simplest ingredients. The key components include:
- Dough: Made with 00 flour, water, salt, and yeast, Neapolitan pizza dough is soft and elastic. 00 flour is essential for creating the smooth, light texture that characterizes this pizza.
- Sauce: Use San Marzano tomatoes, which grow in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in Italy. These tomatoes are prized for their sweet flavor and low acidity. Crush the tomatoes by hand to create a simple sauce—no need for additional seasoning.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte mozzarella is the cheese of choice for Neapolitan pizza. These soft cheeses melt beautifully and add a creamy texture to the pizza.
- Basil and Olive Oil: Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are the final touches, adding brightness and depth to the pizza’s flavor.
2. Preparing the Dough
The dough is the heart of Neapolitan pizza. To achieve the perfect consistency, mix your ingredients and let the dough rise for at least 8-24 hours. A long fermentation process enhances the dough’s flavor and elasticity. Once it has risen, divide the dough into smaller balls, roll them out, and let them rest for another 30 minutes before stretching.
For an authentic texture, stretch the dough by hand instead of using a rolling pin. This helps to maintain the air pockets that will give the crust its signature lightness.
3. Cooking the Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures (around 800°F). However, you can still achieve a similar result using a pizza stone and a conventional oven set to the highest temperature. Preheat your oven with the pizza stone inside for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Once your pizza is assembled, bake it for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is puffed and slightly charred, and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Conclusion
Making authentic Neapolitan pizza at home requires attention to detail, quality ingredients, and a little practice. With time, you’ll master the art of crafting this Italian classic in your own kitchen. For those times when you prefer to skip the cooking, Pizzeria Double Pizza is your go-to option for authentic, delicious pizza delivered straight to your door.
