Authentic Neapolitan pizza begins with a soft, elastic dough made from simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. Use high-quality Italian "00" flour for the best results, as it creates a light and airy crust with a tender texture.
Neapolitan pizza dough is traditionally hand-kneaded to develop gluten and create a supple texture. Allow the dough to rise slowly at room temperature for several hours or overnight to develop flavor and improve digestibility.
Neapolitan pizza sauce is minimalistic, typically made from San Marzano tomatoes, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Crushed San Marzano tomatoes are known for their sweet, tangy flavor and are the preferred choice for authentic Neapolitan pizza sauce.
Embrace the simplicity of Neapolitan pizza by using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh mozzarella cheese, preferably buffalo mozzarella, which adds a creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the pizza. Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are classic toppings that enhance the flavor of the pizza.
Neapolitan pizza dough is stretched by hand to achieve a thin center with a slightly thicker, pillowy edge. Use your fingertips to gently stretch the dough from the center outward, leaving a raised border around the edge to form the characteristic cornicione, or crust.
Neapolitan pizza is traditionally cooked in a wood-fired oven at temperatures upwards of 800°F (427°C). While most home ovens cannot reach such high temperatures, preheat your oven to its maximum setting and use a pizza stone or steel to mimic the intense heat of a wood-fired oven. A hot oven ensures rapid cooking and creates a blistered, charred crust with a chewy interior.
Neapolitan pizza cooks quickly, typically in just 60 to 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven. Keep a close eye on your pizza as it bakes in the oven, rotating it as needed to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
Once your Neapolitan pizza is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a wooden pizza peel. Slice the pizza into wedges and serve it hot, savoring the authentic flavors and aromas of Italy.