Hey there, I’m Austin! welcome you all to Beyond The Bayou Blog to try another mouth-watering dish today. Let me share the story behind this amazing: Neapolitan Pizza Recipe. When I was a kid, my grandma used to whip up this pizza for us every Friday night. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the whole experience. She loved serving this pizza with Roasted Vegetables and sometimes with different types of salads.
Talking about my grandma, she just loves cooking as I do. Those Friday nights were the highlight of my week as I used to help her in the kitchen and started my cooking journey with my grandma. It wasn’t just about the delicious pizza; it was about the memories we made around the kitchen table.
So, when I make this Neapolitan pizza now, it’s not just about the taste�it’s about recreating those warm, fuzzy feelings of family and togetherness. It’s about passing down a tradition that’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And now, I’m thrilled to share that tradition with you. Let’s make some new memories together with this Neapolitan pizza recipe!
What Is A Neapolitan Pizza?
Neapolitan pizza is a type of pizza that comes from Naples, Italy. It’s famous for being simple but super tasty. The crust is thin, soft, and a bit chewy, especially around the edges where it gets a little crispy. For toppings, it usually has tomato sauce made from special San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese (the kind made from buffalo milk is best), some fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s cooked really quickly in a super hot wood-fired oven, which gives it that perfect mix of softness and crunchiness. It’s a favorite for pizza fans all over the world!
Overview: How To Make A Neapolitan Pizza?
Making Neapolitan pizza is a fun and delicious process. First, you’ll need to prepare your dough. Mix together flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl until it forms a soft dough. Then, knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
Next, let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. While the dough is rising, you can prepare your toppings. Crush some San Marzano tomatoes to make a simple sauce, tear up some fresh mozzarella cheese, and pick some fresh basil leaves.
Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your pizza. Punch it down to remove any air bubbles, then divide it into individual portions. Gently stretch each portion into a round shape, being careful not to tear it.
Now comes the fun part�adding the toppings! Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle on the torn mozzarella cheese and scatter some fresh basil leaves on top.
Finally, it’s time to bake your pizza. Preheat your oven as hot as it will go, or ideally, use a wood-fired pizza oven if you have one. Slide your pizza onto a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet and bake for just a few minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Once your pizza is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing it up and enjoying it! Remember, Neapolitan pizza is best eaten fresh out of the oven, so dig in while it’s still hot and delicious.
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Amazing Neapolitan Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pizza stone
- 1 Pizza Peel
- 1 Wood-fired oven or Conventional oven
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Set Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 Oven Mitts
- 1 Pizza Cutter
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 Cups All-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 Cups Lukewarm water
- 2 tsp Active dry yeast
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 1 Can San Marzano tomatoes
- 8 Ounces Fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Combine lukewarm water and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast activates.
- Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.’
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1-1.5 hours.
- Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
- Preheat to its highest temperature (usually around 500�F or 260�C).
- Punch down the risen dough to remove air bubbles.
- Divide into individual portions.
- Gently stretch each portion into a 10-12 inch round circle on a floured surface.
- Spread San Marzano tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a border.
- Arrange torn mozzarella cheese evenly.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with salt.
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza onto the preheated stone or sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute.
- Slice and serve hot. Enjoy your Neapolitan pizza!
Nutrition
What Sauce Must Be Used For The Neapolitan Pizza?
When it comes to Neapolitan pizza, simplicity is key, especially when it comes to the sauce. The traditional sauce for Neapolitan pizza is made from San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
To make the sauce, start by heating a tablespoon or two of extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add one to two cloves of minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.
Next, pour in a can of San Marzano tomatoes, either crushed or pureed, into the saucepan. Stir everything together to combine, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you have fresh basil on hand, feel free to tear up a few leaves and add them to the sauce for extra flavor.
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The sauce should be smooth and spreadable, with a balanced flavor that complements the other ingredients on the pizza.
Once the sauce is ready, spread a thin layer over the pizza dough before adding the cheese and toppings. This simple tomato sauce highlights the natural sweetness of the San Marzano tomatoes and provides the perfect base for your Neapolitan pizza. With just a few ingredients, you can create a sauce that elevates your homemade pizza to restaurant-quality levels. Enjoy!
Tip & Tricks!
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since Neapolitan pizza is simple, each ingredient plays a crucial role. Invest in high-quality flour, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Let the Dough Rest: After shaping the dough, let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before adding the toppings. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to stretch the dough without it springing back.
- Stretch the Dough Thin: Neapolitan pizza has a thin crust, so be sure to stretch the dough thin, especially around the edges. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm) for the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.
- Preheat Your Oven: If you’re using a conventional oven, preheat it to its highest temperature setting (usually around 500�F or 260�C) for at least 30 minutes. For even better results, use a pizza stone or baking steel to mimic the intense heat of a wood-fired oven.
- Keep Toppings Simple: Neapolitan pizza is all about simplicity, so don’t overload it with toppings. Stick to classic combinations like tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Remember, less is more!
- Bake Quickly: Neapolitan pizza cooks very quickly, usually in just 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and rotate the pizza halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Let it rest: Once the pizza is done baking, let it rest for a minute or two before slicing. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to cut without the toppings sliding off.
- Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations. Whether you’re a traditionalist or an adventurous eater, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Neapolitan pizza!
Possible Variations With The Recipe?
- Toppings Variety: While the classic Neapolitan pizza toppings are tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, you can get creative with your toppings. Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola. Add vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts. For meat lovers, try adding toppings like pepperoni, sausage, prosciutto, or bacon.
- Alternative Sauces: While San Marzano tomato sauce is traditional, you can try using alternative sauces for a different flavor profile. Pesto sauce, barbecue sauce, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce can all be delicious alternatives to traditional tomato sauce.
- Gluten-Free or Whole Wheat Crust: If you’re looking for a healthier option or have dietary restrictions, you can make Neapolitan pizza with a gluten-free or whole wheat crust. There are many recipes available for gluten-free or whole-wheat pizza dough that can be used as a base for your pizza.
- Vegan or Dairy-Free Options: For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can easily adapt the Neapolitan pizza recipe by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and skipping the meat toppings. There are many vegan cheese options available that melt and taste similar to traditional mozzarella.
- Flavor Infusions: Add extra flavor to your pizza dough by incorporating herbs, spices, or other ingredients into the dough itself. Try adding minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Regional Variations: Explore regional variations of Neapolitan pizza from different parts of Italy or around the world. For example, try making a Sicilian-style pizza with a thicker crust and square shape, or experiment with toppings inspired by other cuisines, such as Greek, Mexican, or Thai.
- Creative Presentation: Get creative with the presentation of your pizza by arranging the toppings in unique patterns or designs. You can create a Margherita pizza with a basil leaf in the center to resemble the Italian flag or arrange pepperoni slices in a decorative pattern for a fun and festive touch.
Storing The Neapolitan Pizza!
- Immediate Consumption: Neapolitan pizza is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you’re planning to eat it right away, there’s no need to store it.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover Neapolitan pizza, you can store it in the refrigerator. Place the pizza slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Stored this way, Neapolitan pizza can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: If you want to store Neapolitan pizza for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Neapolitan pizza can last for up to 1-2 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the stored Neapolitan pizza, there are a few methods you can use to reheat it. The preferred method is to reheat it in a preheated oven or toaster oven at around 375�F (190�C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for a few minutes until heated through.
- Avoid Microwaving: While you can technically reheat Neapolitan pizza in the microwave, it’s not recommended as it can make the crust soggy and the cheese rubbery. If you’re short on time, the skillet method is a better option for reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What type of flour should I use to make Neapolitan pizza dough?
A: The traditional flour used for Neapolitan pizza dough is “00” flour, which is finely milled and has a high protein content. However, you can also use all-purpose flour or bread flour as alternatives.
Q: Can I make Neapolitan pizza without a pizza stone or wood-fired oven?
A: While a pizza stone or wood-fired oven is ideal for making Neapolitan pizza, you can still achieve delicious results using a conventional oven. A preheated pizza stone or baking steel can help mimic the intense heat of a wood-fired oven and produce a crispy crust.
Q: What is the best drink to pair with Neapolitan pizza?
A: Neapolitan pizza pairs well with a variety of beverages, including beer, wine, and soft drinks. For beer lovers, try a crisp and refreshing pilsner or lager. If you prefer wine, a light-bodied red wine like Chianti or a sparkling wine like Prosecco can complement the flavors of the pizza. Additionally, a classic Italian soda or sparkling water can be a refreshing choice.