Name: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: PT-497121H25M49S
Total time: 24 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 640g Flour; 360g Water; 14g Salt; 0.3g Yeast; 1 tin (300g) Plum Tomatoes; 1 tablespoon Tomato Puree (optional); Sprinkling of Table Salt or Sea Salt; Freshly Ground Black Pepper; 2 x 125g bags Fresh Mozzarella Balls; About 30g Parmesan Cheese; A few glugs Olive Oil; Handful of Fresh Basil Leaves

Jump to Recipe·5 from 26 reviews

If you have ever dreamed of capturing the true essence of Italian pizza right in your own kitchen, this Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe will absolutely delight you. Bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors and an irresistible chewy crust, this recipe brings together simple, high-quality ingredients and a careful, time-honored preparation process that honors Naples’ culinary tradition. From the tangy tomato sauce to the creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, each bite is a warm invitation to enjoy pizza the Italian way.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in an Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe plays an essential role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The mix of flour, water, and yeast creates a tender yet sturdy dough, while the fresh tomatoes and cheeses contribute layers of richness and freshness that define this classic dish.

Flour (640g): Use high-protein or ’00’ flour for a light, elastic dough that’s easy to shape and beautifully chewy.
Water (360g): Lukewarm and clean, this hydrates the flour and activates the yeast for the perfect rise.
Salt (14g): Balances and enhances the dough’s flavor, essential for depth in every bite.
Yeast (0.3g): Just a tiny pinch makes all the difference in developing that authentic lightness and flavor.
Plum Tomatoes (300g tin): Blended into a luscious sauce, they provide a sweet and tangy base.
Tomato Puree (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds richness and a concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
Salt (sprinkling): Season the sauce to your taste with sea salt or table salt.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy warmth to elevate the sauce.
Mozzarella (2 x 125g fresh balls): The creamy heart of the pizza, melting into perfect pockets of cheesy deliciousness.
Parmesan (about 30g): A sharp, nutty finish that enhances every mouthful.
Olive Oil (a few glugs): For drizzling at the end, giving a delightful fruity aroma and silky finish.
Fresh Basil (a handful of leaves): Its bright, herbaceous aroma lifts the pizza’s flavors and adds a lovely color contrast.

How to Make Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing flour, water, salt, and yeast into a shaggy mass in a large bowl. Cover with cling film and let it rest for about an hour; this initial rest allows the flour to fully hydrate, setting the foundation for an elastic dough.

Step 2: Knead and Prove the Dough

After resting, turn the dough out and knead for five minutes to build gluten structure. Return it to the bowl, cover, and let it prove for approximately 20 hours. This slow fermentation is key to developing the characteristic airy texture and depth of flavor.

Step 3: Divide and Final Proof

About four hours before you bake, divide the dough into four equal balls. Place them in small bowls covered gently, allowing them to prove again. This final rise makes shaping easier and ensures the crust bakes light and bubbly.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Blend the tin of plum tomatoes into a smooth consistency, then gently cook the sauce until it thickens to your liking. Stir in optional tomato puree and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. This simple sauce is vibrant, fresh, and gets right to the heart of Neapolitan flavor.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Place your baking stone or tray in your oven and heat it to its maximum temperature. The high heat mimics the traditional wood-fired oven and creates a delightfully blistered, slightly charred crust.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Dust a dough ball generously with flour and gently press out from the center to the edges in the bowl, turning as you work air bubbles to the outer edges. Flip it and repeat, then move it to the counter and stretch it outwards until about 9 to 10 inches wide. Taking your time here preserves the beautiful airy bubbles in the crust.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Spread roughly two soup spoons of the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, then scatter a handful of fresh mozzarella on top. Transfer the pizza onto a peel and slide it onto the hot baking stone or tray. Bake until the crust is golden and slightly charred, and the cheese is bubbling, usually just a few minutes.

Step 8: Finish with Toppings

Once out of the oven, grate Parmesan over your pizza, scatter torn basil leaves on top, drizzle with olive oil, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Let it cool slightly to set, then dig in and savor those authentic flavors.

How to Serve Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe

Garnishes

A crisp scattering of fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of fruity olive oil bring brightness and aroma to your finished pizza. A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan adds richness and an extra layer of umami, making every bite memorable.

Side Dishes

Serve your pizza alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast. A glass of good Italian red wine or sparkling mineral water complements the meal without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a relaxed get-together, slice the pizza into smaller squares and serve on rustic wooden boards, encouraging sharing and casual dining. Pair with small bowls of balsamic glaze or chili oil for dipping to add a playful, contemporary twist while honoring tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pizza tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. This preserves the fresh flavors and prevents the crust from drying out, allowing you to enjoy your Neapolitan pizza the next day without losing its charm.

Freezing

If you want to save dough for future pizzas, divide and freeze it before the final proof. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before stretching and baking. This method keeps the dough fresh and ready whenever pizza night strikes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pizza in a hot skillet or a preheated oven to keep the crust crisp and the toppings fresh. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust chewy rather than delightfully crisp, detracting from that authentic Neapolitan experience.

FAQs

What makes this pizza an Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe?

This recipe follows the traditional preparation methods and ingredient list that define Neapolitan pizza — from the slow dough fermentation to the specific tomato and cheese choices — ensuring a genuine taste of Naples in every slice.

Can I use regular mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?

While regular mozzarella melts well, fresh mozzarella gives a creamier texture and authentic flavor essential to this recipe. It holds moisture better and creates those signature creamy cheese pockets.

Do I need a baking stone for this recipe?

Using a baking stone helps replicate the intense heat of a wood-fired oven, giving the crust that perfect blistering and chew. If you don’t have one, a heavy-duty baking tray heated thoroughly can work as an alternative.

How long can I store the dough before baking?

The dough benefits from a long, slow fermentation of about 20 hours in the fridge. After shaping into balls, it should be proofed again for four hours before baking to maximize flavor and texture.

Is tomato puree necessary in the sauce?

Tomato puree is optional but adds a thicker texture and deeper tomato flavor to your sauce. If you prefer a fresher, lighter sauce, feel free to skip it—both ways taste fantastic.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the satisfaction of making an Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Recipe from scratch, bringing a little slice of Italy to your home. This recipe is a beautiful balance of tradition, fresh ingredients, and love—a combination that makes every bite truly special. I encourage you to roll up your sleeves, savor the process, and share this delicious, timeless pizza with those you care about—because great food is made even better with great company.