Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

This authentic Neapolitan-style pizza features a perfectly blistered, airy crust and is topped with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and crumbled sausage for a savory kick. Baked at high heat, the cheese melts beautifully, and the crust develops a crispy, charred edge. Finished with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh basil, this pizza delivers a simple yet unforgettable taste that transports you straight to Naples.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Here’s a detailed recipe for a classic Neapolitan-style pizza with a perfectly blistered crust, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This pizza is simple yet incredibly delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• All-Purpose Flour or Tipo “00” Flour: 500g (3 1/2 cups)
• Water: 325ml (1 1/3 cups), room temperature
• Active Dry Yeast: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: 2 teaspoons
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• San Marzano Tomatoes: 1 can (400g), crushed
• Salt: to taste
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Fresh Basil Leaves: a few, torn (optional)

For the Toppings:

• Fresh Mozzarella: 200g (7oz), torn into pieces
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated (optional)
• Fresh Basil Leaves: for garnish
• Olive Oil: for drizzling
• Crumbled Sausage or Pepperoni: 100g (optional, as in the image)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the water and let it sit for a minute until bubbly.
   • Slowly add the yeast mixture to the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
   • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
   • In a bowl, crush the San Marzano tomatoes by hand or use a fork. Add a pinch of salt and olive oil, and mix well. If desired, add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
   • Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Shape the Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to the highest setting (250°C/482°F or higher) and, if using, place a pizza stone or steel inside to heat up.
   • Divide the dough into 4 equal portions (for individual pizzas) and shape each into a ball. Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
   • On a lightly floured surface, use your hands to gently stretch each dough ball into a thin, round crust. Avoid using a rolling pin to maintain the airy texture.
4. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
   • Add torn pieces of fresh mozzarella and crumbled sausage or pepperoni if using.
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake the Pizza:
   • Slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking tray and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the crust is blistered and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
   • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
6. Serve:
   • Slice and serve the pizza hot, straight from the oven.

Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: ~500 kcal
• Protein: ~20g
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: ~800mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the toppings and ingredients used.

Preparation Time:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rising Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Servings:

• Serves: 4 individual pizzas

Enjoy making and savoring this authentic Neapolitan pizza with friends and family!