Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with this homemade Neapolitan pizza! Discover the art of crafting pizza dough using fresh and straightforward ingredients, resulting in a flawless crust that boasts crispness, lightness, and a subtle char. This pizza experience is as authentic as it gets! Don’t forget to elevate it with my pizza sauce for a truly outstanding pizza.
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HOW TO MAKE PIZZA DOUGH – NEAPOLITAN PIZZA STYLE
Inspired by a memorable pizza experience that left a lasting impression, I returned home with a mission. While I understood that replicating the distinctive charred flavor from a traditional pizza oven might be challenging, I was determined to come as close as possible using my broiler. Armed with flour, a preheated oven, and a clear goal, I set to work!
Neapolitan pizza dough is renowned for its delicate, light, and slightly chewy texture. The ideal crust should strike a balance between crispness and a soft, fluffy interior. And you know what? I might have just nailed it!
USEFUL EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING HOMEMADE PIZZA DOUGH
When it comes to making pizza at home, you don’t necessarily need a ton of specialized equipment. Here are a few everyday kitchen items that can prove to be surprisingly handy:
- Parchment Paper: Since Neapolitan pizza dough can be a bit sticky, working on floured parchment paper can help prevent any challenging “sticky” situations. It can also serve as a useful tool for transferring your pizza into the oven if you don’t have a peel, making the baking process simpler.
- Quart Containers: Use plastic, lidded quart containers to store any leftover dough or toppings. Label and date the ingredients with a sharpie, then store them in the freezer for future use. When you’re ready for more pizza, you’ll have a homemade kit ready to go!
- Flat (Cookie) Sheet Pan: If you don’t have a pizza peel or a baking stone, a cookie sheet can do the job of both. Just make sure to generously flour the surface or use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
These everyday kitchen items can help you make delicious homemade pizza without the need for specialized equipment. Enjoy your pizza-making adventures!
Pizza Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 3/4-1 cup lukewarm water
- 1- 1 1/2 tablespoons quality olive oil to coat the bowl
- Optional: cornmeal for dough dusting
How To Make Pizza Dough
Here’s a summary of the steps to make Neapolitan pizza dough:
- Prepare Dry Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Use a whisk to quickly mix the dry ingredients.
- Add Water: Pour water into the dry mixture and use a whisk to ensure everything is well combined.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the mixture to form a ball of dough.
- Coat a Bowl: Take a large bowl and coat it with quality olive oil.
- Let It Rise: Place the dough in the oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise at room temperature. The rising time should be at least 2 hours, but longer is even better.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, roll it out and use it to make your Neapolitan pizza.
Enjoy your homemade Neapolitan pizza!
Notes
Make the most of your broiler when making pizza. While an authentic Naples Pizza is cooked in an 800-degree brick oven for that perfect char and quick cooking, our ovens can’t reach such high temperatures. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using the broiler during the last ¼ of cooking to crisp up the crust. Enjoy your homemade pizza!