Name: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 640g Flour; 360g Water; 14g Salt; 0.3g Yeast; 300g tin of plum tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Tomato puree (optional); Table salt or sea salt (for sprinkling); Freshly ground black pepper; 2 x 125g bags of fresh Mozzarella balls; 30g Parmesan; Olive Oil (a few glugs); Handful of fresh Basil leaves

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Making pizza at home is a delightful journey. There’s something magical about creating that perfect crust and topping it with fresh ingredients. When it comes to pizza, nothing beats the classic taste of Authentic Neapolitan Pizza. This pizza is simplicity at its best. It’s crispy yet chewy, light yet flavorful. Plus, when shared with friends and family, it turns into a beautiful gathering moment.

Why Make This Recipe

Why not go for the classic? The process of making Neapolitan pizza is an art form. It connects you to the rich traditions of Italy. Plus, homemade versions can be healthier and tailored to your taste. Picture this: bright red tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil all on a perfect crust. It’s a comforting dish that’s bound to impress. Each bite will remind you of sunny days in Naples.

How to Make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Ingredients:

640g Flour
360g Water
14g Salt
0.3g Yeast
300g tin of plum tomatoes
1 tablespoon Tomato puree (optional)
Table salt or sea salt (for sprinkling)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 x 125g bags of fresh Mozzarella balls
30g Parmesan
Olive Oil (a few glugs)
Handful of fresh Basil leaves

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Directions:

Let’s get our hands a little messy! Start by mixing all the ingredients in a large bowl. It should form a shaggy mass. Don’t worry about it being perfect; that’s part of the charm. Cover the bowl with cling film and let the dough rest for about an hour.

After resting, turn the dough out onto the counter. Give it a good knead for about 5 minutes. Place the dough back in the bowl and cover it again. Now comes the part that takes patience: let it prove for around 20 hours.

About 4 hours before you’re ready to fire up that oven, divide the dough into 4 equal parts and put each piece into its own small bowl. Cover them up again and let them prove for about 4 hours.

Next, grab that tin of plum tomatoes and blend them into a smooth sauce. Cook it until it thickens, adding in some optional tomato puree and seasoning it with salt and pepper. This sauce is going to be the star!

Now, it’s time to preheat your oven. If you have a baking stone or tray, make sure that’s inside while it heats up. Dust one dough ball with flour and gently press down from the center toward the edges, stretching it out to a 9-10 inch diameter. Top it generously with your tomato sauce and a handful of mozzarella.

Here’s where the fun comes in. Slide the pizza onto a peel and load it onto that hot baking stone or tray. Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly. Once done, pull it out and place it on a chopping board. Grate some Parmesan on top, add torn basil leaves, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with black pepper. Allow it to cool for just a moment before diving in.

How to Serve Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Serving Neapolitan pizza is all about keeping it simple. Slide the pizza onto a wooden board and let everyone dig in. It’s perfect on its own, but you might find it delightful with a side of homemade garlic knots or a fresh garden salad. I always enjoy pairing pizza with creamy soup for an even heartier meal.

How to Store Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare!), let the pizza cool completely. Then, wrap each slice in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or store them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy again!

Tips to Make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Flour Choice: Use high-protein flour for that chewy crust. It makes a big difference!
Resting Time: Don’t rush the proving time; it really helps develop the flavors.
Oven Temperature: Your oven should be as hot as it can get, ideally around 500°F. This mimics the traditional pizza ovens found in Naples.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix and match toppings. Consider using some delicious sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of spicy red pepper flakes to give it a unique twist. I love adding a touch of heat with our Cajun chicken pasta bake sometimes too!

Variation (if any)

Want to create a white pizza? Simply skip the tomato sauce and use a light drizzle of olive oil as a base. Top it with ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh garlic for a creamy alternative that’s sure to impress.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and store the dough in the fridge for up to two days. Just let it come to room temperature before using.

What’s the best topping for Neapolitan pizza?

Classic Margherita works wonders: just fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. But feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Can I freeze the pizza?

Yes! Just wrap the unbaked pizza tightly before freezing. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.

Conclusion

Making Authentic Neapolitan Pizza is not just about the end result; it’s about the satisfaction of crafting something delicious from scratch. Whether it’s for a cozy movie night or a lively gathering, your homemade pizza will steal the show. If you want to dive even deeper into pizza making, you can check out this guide for more tips and tricks.

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