Tips On How To Make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Dough

Want to make the best  Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Dough ? It should be soft and fluffy with a bit of crispness. Even though it’s made with simple ingredients, getting the recipe just right can be tough. But don’t worry; we’ve got some tips to help you make dough that’ll impress your dinner guests.

What’s  Authentic Neapolitan Pizza  Dough?

What makes Neapolitan pizza dough so special? Well, lots of Italian pizza makers consider it the OG of all doughs. It originated in Naples, Italy, back in the 19th century and is credited for kickstarting pizza’s worldwide popularity. So, what makes it different from other types of dough? When done right, it’s got a thin crust with lots of big, fluffy air bubbles. Other types of dough are usually more dense and don’t have those fluffy bubbles that make you feel like you’re eating a cloud.

Making authentic Neapolitan pizza dough is simple. All you need is flour, water, yeast, and salt. Other recipes might call for extra ingredients like sugar or oil, but the real deal only needs these four things. Even though the ingredients are basic, the process of making the dough is what makes it special.

Flour: The secret to a Perfect Neapolitan crust

Making the perfect Neapolitan pizza dough is all about using the right ingredients. The quality and type of flour you use can make a big difference. To get that traditional thin and tasty crust, you gotta use “00” flour, also known as double-zero flour. It’s super fine, which makes it perfect for this type of pizza. You can find it at most grocery stores or online.

You can use all-purpose flour, but it won’t give you that light and an airy crust that makes Neapolitan pizza so delicious. That’s because fine-milled flour like “00” absorbs less water than all-purpose flour, keeping the dough from getting dense or wet when you follow the same recipe. Plus, the finer the flour, the more elasticity it has, making it easier to knead and stretch the dough without tearing it, and it also helps prevent a rubbery or tough texture.

The Neapolitan Pizza Dough requires the following ingredients:

• 2 cups (232g)  Flour
• 1/8 teaspoon instant yeast or active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 teaspoons (8g) salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) water, lukewarm, (80f )

Just remember, even though you only need four basic ingredients to make Neapolitan pizza dough, it’s important to use the good stuff. Quality over quantity, you know?

Flour – If you want to make the classic Neapolitan pizza crust that’s fluffy, tender, and light, you gotta get the finest-milled flour you can find. Like we mentioned before, “00” flour, also known as double-zero flour, is the way to go. If this is your first time making Neapolitan pizza dough, get the “00 pizza flour” labeled one. Just a heads up, there are different types of “00” flour, like pastries, pasta, high-protein, whole-wheat, and even gluten-free. So, just make sure you get the right one.

Salt – You might think all salts are created equal, but that’s not the case. While some people have their own preferences, most pizza makers agree that regular table salt just won’t cut it. They recommend using kosher salt or sea salt instead. If you want to stick with tradition, go for the finest grain of sea salt you can find. That’s what they use to make the real deal Neapolitan pizza dough.

Yeast – You can use instant or active dry yeast from the four necessary components. Most people prefer the instant Fleischmann’s Yeast. This ingredient is essential for making the dough rise, as it acts as a leavening agent.

Water – You might not think water is that important when making Neapolitan pizza dough, but it’s actually crucial. Tap water usually has chlorine, which can mess with the dough’s texture and consistency. To avoid this, pizza makers let the water sit out overnight to let the chlorine evaporate. They also like to use water with a low pH (less than 7) since water with a higher pH can make it hard for the yeast to ferment and mess up the dough.

How to Prepare a Neapolitan-Style Pizza Dough

So far, we’ve been giving you hints on how to make amazing Neapolitan pizza dough. And you’re right; the difference between good and the great dough is all in the prep and baking. If you’re still wondering what a Neapolitan pizza crust should be like, here are the expert steps to follow so you can enjoy the taste everyone raves about when it comes to this specific dough.

1. Place the dry ingredients in a bowl and blend them. Afterward, add the water and keep stirring until the mixture forms a dough. Knead the dough for approximately 3-4 minutes until it is thoroughly blended.
2. The pros have different opinions when it comes to letting the dough rest after kneading. Some suggest storing the mixture in an airtight container and sticking it in the fridge for 12-24 hours, while others say it’s best to cover it and let it rest at room temp for 8-24 hours. If you decide to chill it, take it out 30 minutes before shaping it into pizzas, so it’s easier to work with.
3. Place the dough ball on a flour-covered surface, then use the knuckles to widen it gradually. Use the fleshy part of the hand to shape it into the preferred size and thinness.
4. Set the temperature of your pizza oven to between 800 and 900 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Spread a good amount of cornmeal or flour on top of a pizza spatula (pizza peel) and place your pizza dough onto the peel. After that, slide it off the peel and put it into the preheated pizza oven. Let it cook for around 2-3 minutes or until it has a nice, brown bubbly finish.
6. Finally, and most significantly, savor the most delicious Neapolitan pizza you have ever tried!

A Reminder About Pizza Ovens and Neapolitan Pizza

Don’t worry if this is your first time using a wood-fired oven. The important thing to know is that it’s essential for making authentic Neapolitan pizza. That’s because they can get super hot, which you need for a delicious Neapolitan pizza with the perfect char and texture. They cook the pizza quickly, which is key for getting that classic cheese pattern and crispy crust.

Final Thoughts

If your family is craving a restaurant-style pizza, you’re going to need a specialized pizza oven to make it happen. Now that you know how to make delicious Neapolitan pizza dough, what are you waiting for? Gather the ingredients and start kneading that dough! To make the perfect Neapolitan pizza, you need the right equipment. So check out our wood-fired pizza ovens and start making pizzas of your dreams today!