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!
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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!