The Pizza Napoletana Recipe is a traditional Italian pizza that has captured the hearts of pizza lovers around the world with its thin crust, fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. This classic pizza hails from Naples, Italy, and is famous for its simplicity and authenticity. Ready in just 90 minutes, this recipe uses basic ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced, flavorful dish. The crust is soft and chewy, topped with a generous layer of rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil leaves. The result is a mouth-watering pizza that is not only easy to make but also delivers an unforgettable taste of Italy’s culinary heritage.
Why is it Called “Pizza Napoletana”?
Pizza Napoletana gets its name from Naples, a city in southern Italy where this iconic style of pizza was born. The term “Napoletana” refers to anything related to Naples, and this pizza reflects the city’s rich culinary traditions. Pizza Napoletana was first created by Neapolitan pizza makers in the 18th century who aimed to make a delicious yet affordable meal for the city’s working-class population. The use of fresh ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil, set this pizza apart from others. The simplicity of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation process are what make Pizza Napoletana a true representation of Neapolitan cuisine. This pizza style has even earned recognition from UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity, further solidifying its status as a classic.
How Should Pizza Napoletana Taste?
Pizza Napoletana should have a thin, soft crust with a slight chew, and the base should have a slightly charred, blistered appearance from being cooked at high temperatures. The flavor of the crust should be light and slightly nutty, while the tomato sauce should be fresh, slightly sweet, and tangy, made from San Marzano tomatoes. The mozzarella should be creamy, melted perfectly across the surface, with a few bubbles of caramelization. The basil leaves provide an herbal aroma that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before baking adds richness and a finishing touch. Overall, the taste of Pizza Napoletana should be balanced and fresh, with every ingredient contributing to a simple yet complex flavor profile.
How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?
To make the best Pizza Napoletana, follow these tips:
- Use a Hot Oven: To achieve the perfect crust, bake the pizza at 500°F (260°C) or higher. A hot oven helps create a light and chewy crust with a slightly charred bottom.
- Use San Marzano Tomatoes: Use San Marzano tomatoes for an authentic flavor. These tomatoes are naturally sweet and less acidic, making them perfect for pizza sauce.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for mozzarella di bufala or fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture and rich flavor. Drain excess moisture to prevent a soggy crust.
- Stretch the Dough by Hand: Hand-stretch the dough rather than using a rolling pin to keep the crust light and airy, with those signature air bubbles.
- Bake Quickly: Pizza Napoletana should be baked quickly—3 to 4 minutes in a hot oven. This ensures a tender and chewy crust with just the right amount of charring.
Read More: Creamy Panna Cotta Recipe: A Delightful Italian Dessert Ready in Just 20 Minutes
Pizza Napoletana Recipe
Equipment
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin or hands for stretching
- Pizza peel (optional)
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 200 grams fresh mozzarella sliced
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone inside to heat up.
Shape the Dough:
- Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
- On a lightly floured surface, hand-stretch each portion into a 10-12 inch round.
- Place the dough on parchment paper.
Assemble the Pizza:
- Spread crushed San Marzano tomatoes evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Arrange the sliced mozzarella evenly over the tomato sauce.
- Add fresh basil leaves and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Bake the Pizza:
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve hot with an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Variation: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serving Tip: Serve Pizza Napoletana with a glass of Italian red wine for a perfect pairing.
Conclusion
This Pizza Napoletana Recipe is the ideal way to bring a taste of authentic Italian cuisine to your home. With its thin, chewy crust topped with rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, Pizza Napoletana is both simple and full of flavor. Ready in just 90 minutes, it’s perfect for pizza night or any time you want to enjoy a comforting and classic dish. Serve it hot, right out of the oven, and let the rich, authentic flavors of Naples, Italy shine. Try this recipe today and experience the timeless charm of Pizza Napoletana—an Italian favorite that is sure to impress!
